Azarenka awarded a wildcard for Indian Wells return

INDIAN WELLS, CA, USA - Former World No.1 and two-time Indian Wells champion Victoria Azarenka was awarded a wildcard to the BNP Paribas Open, the tournament announced today.

Azarenka, who won the title in 2012 and later in 2016 as a part of the “Sunshine Double”, will be competing in her first tournament since the birth of her son Leo in 2017.

“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 in a statement.

“Having won here twice, this tournament holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to playing in front of some of the best tennis fans in the world at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in just a few weeks.”

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

“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.”

Watch Azarenka's full video statement below, courtesy of the BNP Paribas Open Twitter account:

The two-time Grand Slam champion has also added former Sacramento State coach Slava Konikov to her coaching team ahead of her return to action, according to a press release from the university. Azarenka parted ways with Michael Joyce late last year.