There was excitement last Thursday when Indian Wells organisers unveiled the first singles wildcard recipients. Among them was 44-year-old Williams, who has not played a match since last year’s Miami Open.

But the seven-time Major champion quickly spoiled the party, telling the Tennis Weekly Podcast she did not accept an offer to play and claiming the news was “not true”.

The American tennis legend also revealed that she discovered the wildcard when everyone else did, and said she would be abroad during the tournament.

“I'm not playing. I found out about the wildcard when you guys did,” she explained.

“Just saying. And I love Indian Wells, I would love to be there and if I could have accepted it, I would have been like, yes. But I already made commitments.”

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas has now confirmed that Williams would not be competing, backtracking on Thursday’s announcement.

“Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year. We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future,” Haas said on Sunday night.

Williams competed in Indian Wells last year, losing to Nao Hibino in the first round. Less than two weeks later, she was ousted by Diana Shnaider in Miami, and she has not played since.

However, another multi-Grand Slam champion will still be returning to the desert next month. Former world No. 2 Petra Kvitova has accepted a wildcard into Indian Wells.

The Czech star missed all of last season as she welcomed her first child. Kvitova is making a comeback at this week’s ATX Open in Austin before she heads to Indian Wells.

Two rising stars on the men’s side have also been given wildcards. Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca will make his Indian Wells debut weeks after lifting his maiden ATP Tour title in Buenos Aires.

Learner Tien has also been given a pass into the main draw. The American started the season by pulling off a huge upset at the Australian Open, beating Daniil Medvedev in the second round.