Serena withdraws from Indian Wells

World No.1 Serena Williams will not play the BNP Paribas Open due to a left knee injury.

News began circulating of the American’s withdrawal from the event on Tuesday lunchtime (California time), just a day after the WTA draw was conducted.

#Serena Williams has withdrawn from the #BNPPO17 with a left knee injury. “I am disappointed I cannot be there.”

????: https://t.co/fTT6BHhYyT pic.twitter.com/bmqMHcamn5

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 7, 2017

The seeds will be re-shuffled, with No.3 seed Karolina Pliskova taking her place at the top of the draw.

RELATED: How Serena’s withdrawal from Indian Wells affects the draw

Williams later issued a statement, saying: “Sadly, I have to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open. I have not been able to train due to my knees and am disappointed I cannot be there. I will keep moving forward and continue to be positive. I look forward to being back as soon as I can.”

Revised draw. #BNPPO17 pic.twitter.com/B5ubmaMqXP

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) March 7, 2017

Angelique Kerber will return to world No.1 regardless of what happens this fortnight in Indian Wells, with Williams unable to defend the hefty swag of points she accrued from reaching last year’s final.

Serena returned to the tournament in 2015 after a 14-year boycott, advancing to the semifinals.