BNP Fans Will Miss Out on Watching Clijsters

Like most professional sports, the men's version tends to draw a larger audience and following than the women's.

That certainly holds true at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where you can almost always find a seat courtside for the women's action.

But Valley tennis fans are going to miss out on a chance to see one of the best women's players in the world next month. 

Belgian Kim Clijsters announced Tuesday she will not play at Indian Wells due to an left ankle injury, which she twisted during the Fourth round of play at this year's Australian Open.

The two-time Indian Wells champion said in a statement she is disappointed she won't play, but says she has great memories of Indian Wells.

Clijsters has won three Grand Slam titles since she came out retirement in 2007, but once again is nearing retirement.

It's unfortunate that fans won't be able to watch Clijsters here in second swan song. Regardless the women's draw will be tough will all of the top 10 ranked players battling it out.