Victoria Azarenka given wild card entry into Indian Wells

02/01/2018

Victoria Azarenka has handed a wildcard entry into the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California, in March the organizers announced today. She returned from maternity leave last year but because of a custody battle for her son, she was unable to rejoin the tour.

She gave birth in December 2016 and made a come back to the professional tennis circuit in June 2017 through Mallorca Open but since then she has been stuck in the custody case in which she was ordered by the court not to leave California until the case had been completed.

After missing the 2017 events, she is now ready to participate in the Paribas Open and has been handed a wildcard into the main draw. The former World Number 1 won her first title in the tournament in 2012 and second in 2016. The current World number 208 will make her 11th appearance at Indian Wells.

“We couldn't be more excited that two-time champion and fan favorite Victoria Azarenka will be returning to Indian Wells this year,” Tournament Director Tommy Haas told The Desert Sun.

“We look forward to welcoming her back to the desert as she eyes a record third title at the BNP Paribas Open. The addition of Azarenka to an incredibly deep player field on the women’s side promises to provide some exceptional tennis action for our fans.”

She had received a wildcard for the Australian Open in January but she was unable to make the trip.

“I have always loved playing at Indian Wells, and I could not be more thrilled to be returning to the desert this March to compete for my third event title,” Azarenka said as stated by AFP.