Racism has unfortunately been a part of the sporting world ever since it has been in existence. Several athletes of color have faced discrimination in certain events. One of the most noteworthy events was experienced by Serena Williams and Venus Williams in the 2001 Indian Wells Masters. When the two walked down the stairs for a clash, they were met with an aggressively racist crowd.

The comments traumatized both players, and they decided to boycott the tournament. After the walk-out, a frazzled Serena Williams revealed what transpired. 

Serena Williams reveals the horrifying events of the 2001 Indian Wells Masters

Stars from many sports have suffered through horrific events where they have been discriminated against for their race. One of the most harrowing incidents took place in Indian Wells as the two Williams sisters faced threatening racist chants as they walked to the court. Serena Williams revealed the events that transpired in an interview with USA Today in 2001. 

Serena Williams said, “When Venus and I were walking down the stairs to our seats, people kept calling me ni**er.” Putting forward the details of the scenario, Williams added, “One guy said, ‘I wish it was ’75; we’d skin you alive.’ That’s when I stopped and walked toward that way.”

Talking about the things that were going inside her mind while she faced this, Serena Williams said, “Then I realized that (my) best bet was to handle the situation non-violently. I had trouble holding back tears. I think Indian Wells disgraced America.”

Read More – 22 Years After Suffering a Heart-Wrenching Incident at Indian Wells, Venus Williams Breaks Silence on How Sister Serena Williams Motivated Her to Finally Make a Comeback at the Controversial Tournament

After the incident, the Williams sisters decided to boycott the Masters event. Serena Williams avoided the event for 14 years, and Venus avoided it for 15 years. Their return took place after a long discussion between the sisters and the authorities.

Why the Williams sisters returned to the Indian Wells

Serena Williams returned to the Indian Wells Masters after a 14-year absence as she had an open dialogue with the officials in the Indian Wells garden. The conversation was aided by the WTA, and the meeting concluded on a positive note. Venus did not return in the same year but was influenced to return after seeing the way in which her younger sister was welcomed in the tournament.

They decided to let the past be in the past and play the championship once again. Serena Williams managed to reach a semifinal and a final after her return, and Venus managed two quarterfinals and one semifinal.

Venus William played this year as well but saw herself exiting in the opening round. The tragedy at the Indian Wells will never be forgotten, and the tournament can only attempt to make up for it in the future.