Serena Williams from 2015 BNP tournament play in Indian Wells. The annual professional tennis event returns March 3-17.
Serena Williams from 2015 BNP tournament play in Indian Wells. The annual professional tennis event returns March 3-17. (Photo: Jon Gaede BVN/NNPA)

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by BVN

Jon D. Gaede | BVN Sports

The annual Paribas (BNP) professional tennis tournament is scheduled to be held at Indian Wells Tennis Garden March 3-17. World Number 1 singles players Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek will be in the draw.

Venus Williams will play in the upcoming BNP this year, a signature event for the Coachella Valley. Now 43, Venus Williams returns to the desert tournament for the first time since 2019 with 49 WTA titles, including four Olympic gold medals on her substantial tennis resume.

Sister Serena’s 23 Grand Slam singles titles usually get the headlines, however, Venus has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, plus three Olympic gold medals in doubles. Both sisters have had success outside of tennis, but it’s tennis at the highest level and Venus who will be at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Coco Gauff, currently ranked third in WTA rankings after winning the U.S. Open in 2023, will play singles and doubles at the tournament. At just 19, Gauff’s constancy, tenacity and elevated play has made her a crowd favorite.

Follow this link for more information on the Paribas (BNP) Tournament. 

While on assignment for GamePro Magazine in 1996, Jon Gaede met former Black Voice Sports Editor, Leland Stein at a Los Angeles Lakers’ game. They formed a working relationship which has endured for 24 years. In addition to African safaris, theater productions, Footsteps to Freedom Tours with Black Voice News Publisher Emeritus Cheryl Brown, concerts and portraits, Jon’s true passion comes from shooting action sports images. Jon has covered a variety of prep, collegiate and professional sports from track & field to boxing, including six Olympic Games.