Indian Wells Entry List with Naomi Osaka but without Serena Williams
Indian Wells' ATP and WTA 1000 event announced the entry lists for the 2021 edition on Wednesday. The 23-time major winner Serena Williams is a big absentee.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Sep 09, 2021, 03:38 pm
An extremely untypical scenario presents itself to tennis fans in the game year 2021. The fact that the entry lists for the WTA and ATP 1000 events are published by Indian Wells during the US Open differs significantly from the normal situation at the tennis circus. The event in California, which was the first major tennis event to be canceled about a year and a half ago due to COVID-19, was also postponed in 2021 - it will take place in the fall of this game year.
And the entry list, it holds some surprises, especially on the WTA side. Naomi Osaka is also scheduled to serve in Indian Wells. However, it is more than doubtful that the Japanese will really travel to the WTA 1000 event, especially due to the statements of the reigning Australian Open winner. After her departure from the US Open, the Japanese emphasized that she wanted to take a break for an indefinite period of time.
Williams will probably no longer be seen in 2021
The grande dame of tennis, Serena Williams, is currently taking such a break. The American has canceled her home major in New York City and will not travel to Indian Wells either. That much is certain after the entry list has been published. The 23-time Grand Slam winner will probably only return to the WTA tour in the coming calendar year. And take one last rebellion towards the 24th major title.
With the men, however, there are hardly any surprises. It was already clear before the US Open that with Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer three top 10 players were missing - the trio had to end the season early due to injury. Andy Murray is not there, but he could slip into the tournament with a wild card. However, the youngster who sensationally reached the quarter-finals in Flushing Meadows is neither dependent on such a qualification nor on qualification: Carlos Alcaraz (18).
Indian Wells' events will take place from October 4th to 17th.