Kim Clijsters withdraws from Indian Wells

Kim Clijsters has withdrawn from next month's BNP Paribas Open because of an injury to her left ankle.

Clijsters said in a statement Tuesday that she is disappointed she won't be playing in the tournament, saying she has great memories of Indian Wells.

The Belgian plans to retire at the end of the season. Clijsters has already retired once - in 2007 - but was tempted back in 2009 and has since won three Grand Slam titles.

She won the Australian Open a year ago but the remainder of the season was marred by shoulder, wrist and abdominal injuries. A twisted ankle almost curtailed the defense of her Australian Open title last month. Clijsters lost to eventual champion Victoria Azarenka.