Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki granted Indian Wells wild cards

The BNP Paribas Open has awarded wild cards to Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki.

Venus Williams at the 2023 US Open (Zuma/Panoramic)

February 15, 2024

Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki, bother former world No 1s with Grand Slam titles to their name, have been awarded wild card entry into the 2024 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

For seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams, the wild card marks a long awaited return to the court for the 43-year-old, who has been out since the 2023 US Open due to injury.

Additionally, Williams will make her first appearance at Indian Wells since 2019.

An icon returns ✨@venuswilliams receives a wildcard to compete in #TennisParadise for the first time since 2019! pic.twitter.com/sr1KvA1hOW
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) February 13, 2024

Same for Wozniacki, who commenced her comeback to the WTA Tour last summer, after a three-year hiatus that saw her give birth to her two children.

Wozniacki is a former champion at the BNP Paribas Open, having taken the title in 2011. She also played the final in Southern California, in 2010 and 2013.

Wozniacki, a 30-time WTA title winner, has spent 71 weeks as the WTA’s No.1-ranked player; Williams has held that honor for 11 weeks, and has amassed 49 career WTA titles.

Wozniacki has played two majors since returning to the tour last summer. She reached the round of 16 at the US Open last year and fell in the second round at this year’s Australian Open. The 33-year-old Dane is 5-5 since she commenced her comeback.

A welcome return to the desert 🏜

2011 champion @carowozniacki accepts a wildcard to play in #TennisParadise this year! pic.twitter.com/7GH7xYLnQQ
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) February 13, 2024