Serena Williams Ends Indian Wells Boycott

Serena Set to Return to Indian Wells

Back in 2001, Serena Williams, then only 19 years of age, collected her 2nd Indian Wells title, beating rising star Kim Clijsters 46 64 62, after having trailed 2-4 in the 2nd set. This was 2 years after she had similarly edged the legendary Steffi Graf in a 3 set classic to win her 1st Tier 1 title. However, Serena’s gutsy comeback and the tennis itself was overshadowed by other events that day which created a media storm centred on conspiracy and alleged racism.

Serena had been scheduled to play her elder sister, Venus Williams in the semi finals. The match was understandably hotly anticipated, due to the already famed and compelling rivalry of the Williams sisters. However, literally minutes before the players were to take to the court, it was announced that Venus Williams had withdrew from the tournament due to tendonitis. Some undoubtedly accepted this, considering it isn’t unusual for a tennis player to be carrying a multitude of injuries which can ‘flare up’ at any given time. However, others suspected foul play, accusing the Williams family of intentionally planning the withdrawal so as to avoid the sisters having to play one another. Whatever the reasons for Venus’s withdrawal, the crowd weren’t happy and let it be known during the final the following day.

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The crowd booed and jeered Serena before, during and after the match. They were even more vehement in booing both Venus Williams and the sister’s father, Richard Williams as they took to their courtside seats. Later, it was even alleged that the Williams family overheard racist taunts from the Indian Wells crowd. Serena somehow managed to win the match amidst all the controversy, but it was far from over.

Serena Williams, writing recently in Time magazine admitted that, ‘I didn’t understand what was going on in that moment’ and claimed that the ‘under-current of racism was painful, confusing and unfair.’

‘under-current of racism was painful, confusing and unfair’

The experience allegedly ‘haunted’ Serena for a long time and both she and Venus vowed never to return again. They held true to that promise for 14 years, until now!

Serena Williams will play Indian Wells 2015 as she told Time magazine that, ‘I’m fortunate to be at a point in my career where I have nothing to prove’ and has found a ‘a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness.’ With that in mind, she will ‘proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015’.

‘proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015’

Whether Serena Williams was a victim of institutional racism in tennis or a group of frustrated fans lashing out is open to debate, as is whether she and her sister were right to have boycotted the event for so many years. Either way, I’m sure that she will be warmly welcomed on her return to the event this year now that she has closed that painful chapter of her life. For now, it is unclear as to whether Venus Williams will also end her personal boycott.

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