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last mo.

Indian Wells Apologizes After Error Keeps Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez Out of Doubles

Organisers say WTA procedures barred any fix once the doubles draw was set.

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 18, 2026 Venus Williams of the U.S. in action during her first round match against Serbia's Olga Danilovic REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
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Overview

  • Tournament officials acknowledged a clerical mistake that left the pair’s wildcard uncertified before the women’s doubles draw.
  • They said they consulted the WTA supervisor but determined the completed draw could not be changed.
  • Venus Williams lost her singles opener to Diane Parry, and Leylah Fernandez fell to Katerina Siniakova in the second round.
  • Both players are entered in mixed doubles, with Williams partnering Christian Harrison and Fernandez teaming with John Peers.
  • The missed doubles run disappointed fans after their U.S. Open quarter-final showing last year and cost potential prize money estimated at about $10,000 each for a first-round loss.