Serena Williams has ended her boycott of Indian Wells, 14 years after suffering racist abuse at the tournament. In an interview, the 19-times grand slam singles champion said she had discovered the “true meaning of forgiveness” and would go for a third title in the Californian resort in March. She won her second Indian Wells title as a teenager in 2001. The American beat Belgian Kim Clijsters in a final marred by the behaviour of some fans who heckled her and her family, apparently in response to sister Venus withdrawing injured from their semi-final. Tournament chief executive officer Raymond Moore was delighted to welcome back the world number one and predicted a warm welcome for Williams at the March 9-22 event.
“It has been difficult for me to forget spending hours crying in the Indian Wells locker room after winning in 2001, driving back to Los Angeles feeling as if I had lost the biggest game ever — not a mere tennis game but a bigger fight for equality,” Williams wrote.
“I’m fortunate to be at a point in my career where I have nothing to prove. I’m still as driven as ever, but the ride is a little easier. I play for the love of the game. And it is with that love in mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015.”
“It is with that love in mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015.”
“I said a few times that I would never play there again. And believe me, I meant it. I admit it scared me. What if I walked onto the court and the entire crowd booed me? The nightmare would start all over.
“I’m just following my heart on this one,” she adds. “Indian Wells was a pivotal moment of my story, and I am a part of the tournament’s story as well.
“Together we have a chance to write a different ¬ending.”
“We are thrilled that Serena Williams, one of the greatest women players in the history of the game, is returning to play,” Raymond Moore said. “We know our fans will welcome her for the magnificent champion that she is and we really look forward to watching her compete again.”
Serena Williams ends boycott of Indian Wells, 14 years after suffering racist abuse
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