Serena Williams Might Play Indian Wells Event

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 24th January 2014

Serena Williams Might Play Indian Wells Event

epa04029856 Serena Williams of the US returns to Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during their fourth round match at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 19 January 2014. Ivanovic won the match. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON |

Indian Wells officials are hoping that recent hints might mean that Serena Williams is ready to set aside a feud of 13 years by signing up to play in the upcoming edition of the men’s and women’s Masters in the Californian desert.

The world number one and her sister Venus last appeared at the venue in March, 2001, but have never been back after a crowd-jeering incident led to charges of racism from the angry Williams clan. Despite repeated olive branches offered by succeeding generations of tournament management, the situation has never budged – possibly until now.Williams mentioned during her brief Australian Open run that after reading the life of Nelson Mandela she might be willing to put the past behind, Her name then appeared on the official tournament entry published by the WTA, perhaps a hint – or not – of fresh intentions.

Tournament director Steve Simon expressed some optimism, telling the Desert Sun newspaper: “Hopefully she does decide to play. When the time is right, I think she’ll do it. I hope it happens, but we also want to be cautious about it and understand that this is a unique situation and we don’t know if she will play or not.”

Venus Williams has also let down her guard somewhat in the long-simmering issue, making a visit to the area in a December promotion of her fashion line.

Missing Indian Wells, a mandatory WTA event, would in normal circumstances mean a fine for the offending players. But the WTA has generally bowed to the demands of the Williams pair, with the obligatory sanctions never brought into the conversation over years of unauthorized absences.

Topics: 10sballs, Australian Open, Indian Wells, Nelson Mandela, Serena Williams, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Venus Williams, Wta