Venus Williams to end Indian Wells boycott

27 January 2016 08:23

Venus Williams will end her 15-year boycott of Indian Wells in March.

Williams has not played the BNP Paribas Open WTA event since 2001 after claims of racism against her and members of her family.

The five-time Wimbledon champion, sister Serena and father Richard were booed by members of the Indian Wells crowd in 2001 and Williams thereafter chose to omit the California tournament from her schedule.

Serena Williams did return to Indian Wells last March, only to withdraw from her semi-final against Romania's Simona Halep with a knee injury, but Venus had stayed away until now.

"We are thrilled that Venus Williams, one of the greatest women's players in the history of the game, is returning to play in the BNP Paribas Open," said Indian Wells Tennis Garden chief executive officer Raymond Moore.

"Our fans embraced Serena last year and we expect nothing less for Venus when she returns to compete at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden."

Halep, five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and 2011 US Open winner Sam Stosur will also be among those competing at Indian Wells from March 7-20.

W orld number one N ovak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have all confirmed their presence in the men's ATP world tour event.

Source: PA