Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas reacts to Venus Williams' non-participation

The Indian Wells tournament had surprised everyone by announcing a wild-card entry for Venus Williams. And she was the first, as she declared: "No, I won't be playing.

Yes, actually, I found the announcement super amusing, because, I don't know, people seemed happy. So I thought, maybe I'll go.

But I'm not going. I'm going to be abroad. I'll watch it on TV. I'm sorry, guys."

Tommy Haas, tournament director, reacted: "Our team was informed that Venus would not be accepting the wild card this year.

We wish Venus the best of luck and hope to see her again at Indian Wells in the future."