The organizers of the prestigious BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells continue to shape the star-studded lineup of participants. Former world No. 1 players and Grand Slam titleholders Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki have been granted special wild cards by the event organizers. This allows the renowned tennis players to compete in the WTA 1000 series tournament, scheduled to take place from March 3 to 17 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The return of Venus and Caroline not only adds star power to the tournament in the California desert but also brings a nostalgic touch for tennis fans. It presents a unique opportunity to witness former Grand Slam champions back on the court, players who delighted tennis enthusiasts for many years with their skills and achievements. In Indian Wells, these stars from the past will join other well-known participants who have already confirmed their presence at this significant tennis event. Overall, the tournament lineup promises to be truly bright and unforgettable.
It will be interesting to see the odds for these former champions in the bookmakers’ lines for this tournament. Betting on Indian Wells is possible at the Mostbet UZ online bookmaker.
Sensational return to the professional tour
The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells will be held this year from March 3 to 17 at the renowned Tennis Garden. This tournament is part of the Masters 1000 series for men and is one of the highest-rated and most significant events in the global tennis calendar, following the four Grand Slam tournaments. The participant lineup for BNP Paribas Open 2024 already promises to be quite star-studded. It was previously announced that celebrities such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Naomi Osaka have registered for the tournament. Fans have eagerly anticipated the return of legendary tennis players to Indian Wells. However, the tournament committee presented a new pleasant surprise.
Former world No. 1 players in women’s singles, Venus Williams, and Caroline Wozniacki have received wild cards from the organizers to participate in the competition. Both tennis players are winners of Grand Slam tournaments in singles. Their appearance in Indian Wells marks the long-awaited return to this prestigious tournament after several years of hiatus. 43-year-old Venus Williams will return to the desert for the first time since 2019 when she reached the quarterfinals. On the other hand, 33-year-old Caroline Wozniacki will play in Indian Wells after a five-year break, making her last appearance here in 2018. Since then, she has retired, given birth to two children, and made a sensational return to the professional tour.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams, the former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, makes a long-awaited return to the Indian Wells desert. Venus Williams has had a brilliant career, including 49 singles titles at WTA tournaments and four Olympic gold medals. She became an Olympic champion in singles in 2000 and won three times in doubles in 2000, 2008, and 2012.
The American spent a total of 11 weeks at the top of the world singles ranking and 8 weeks in doubles. One of Venus Williams’ most significant achievements is winning 7 Grand Slam singles titles. The organizers of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells plan to announce additional recipients of special invitations (wild cards) in men’s and women’s singles and doubles draws, as well as in the qualifying events in the coming days before the tournament starts.
Caroline Wozniacki
Caroline Wozniacki, the winner of the 2018 Australian Open and the champion of the 2011 BNP Paribas Open, also makes a long-awaited return to the “Tennis Paradise” of Indian Wells. The Dane has not appeared in these competitions since 2019 due to a three-year tour hiatus related to the birth of her two children. In addition to her victory in 2011, Caroline reached the final twice in Indian Wells in 2010 and 2013. In total, she spent 71 weeks at the top of the world rankings – from 2010 to 2011 and in 2018.
Wozniacki announced the resumption of her career last summer and returned to competition in August 2022, participating in the tournament in Montreal. The Danish tennis player reached the fourth round of the 2023 US Open, where she defeated another former world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova.
Thus, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in 2024 awaits the double return of stars. Both Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki will step onto the courts of the famous Tennis Garden again after several years, competing for the title under the scorching California sun.
