Top

Henin granted Indian Wells wildcard


 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 13:04

The Belgian, who won the event in 2004, retired from tennis in May 2008 but has followed compatriot Kim Clijsters in making a successful playing return and beat fifth seed Elena Dementieva and Yanina Wickmayer in Melbourne before losing to Serena Williams in the final.

Henin told the tournament’s official website, bnpparibasopen.org: “I am very happy that the BNP Paribas Open has granted me a wildcard, and I look forward to returning to Indian Wells.”

She added: “I am excited to be back on Tour, and hope to continue the success I have had thus far in 2010. The fan support has been incredible, and I hope that I am able to claim my first title of the season at the BNP Paribas Open in March.”

The 27-year-old joins fellow former champions Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Vera Zvonareva and two-time winners Clijsters and Daniela Hantuchova in the draw for the March 8-21 event in California.

Tournament director Steve Simon added: “Not only is the BNP Paribas Open excited to have Justine in the field, but I’m certain our fans are going to be thrilled to have the opportunity to see such a phenomenal player compete again at our tournament.

“Adding a former champion, and one of the best women’s players of all time, means that fans will again get to witness some of the finest tennis in the world.”

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.