Serena Williams Withdraws From Indian Wells

Written by: Staff on 1st April 2014

Serena Williams Withdraws From Indian Wells |

The long-running 13-year boycott of the Indian Wells Masters by the Williams sisters goes on after Serena announced that she had considered – and rejected – an appeal to return to the tournament.

Williams had hinted at the Australian Open that she might actually play Indian Wells, sending the hopes of organizers to a temporary high. “After careful consideration, I will not return to the Indian Wells BNP event this year,” Williams said. “I send my best wishes to everyone involved with the tournament.”

Officials took their medicine: “We wish her the very best of luck in the year ahead and hope that she will decide to play here next year,” said tournament director Steven Simon.

The Williams pair and their family claimed racism in 2001 when the sisters were booed by fans over a late match pullout. Ever since, the pair have kept their distance from what is actually a required event on the WTA circuit and have escaped sanctions year after year.

Williams has not played since losing to Ana Ivanovic in the Melbourne third round; her sister Venus, a first-round loser, is also expected to continue the family boycott of Indian Wells. Serena claimed last month that seeing a film about Nelson Mandela had given her new perspective on her life and might lead to “forgiveness” of the tournament.

Indian Wells, a joint ATP-WTA tournament, starts March 3 and features the women’s elite – minus Serena. The entire top 10 on the men’s side is entered in that field.

Topics: 10sballs, Ana Ivanovic, Indian Wells, Serena Williams, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Venus Williams