Indian Wells 2025: 10 years after the end of the Williams sisters' boycott of the 'Fifth Slam' over racism

A few days before the start of Indian Wells 2025, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP and WTA circuit, the memory of the boycott of Venus and Serena Williams after the 2001 incidents resurfaces as a crucial chapter in the fight against racism in sport;

For 14 years, neither of the Williams sisters participated in the renowned Californian tournament. An act of protest that transcended the courts and put on the table the cultural debate that tennis was long overdue.

Indian Wells 2001 - Withdrawal and incidents in semifinals

By the first year of the new millennium, the Williams sisters were the great sensation of world tennis. Serena had just won the tournament in 1999 and already had a Grand Slam title, the US Open that same year.

Venus was the most successful of the duo so far, having won Wimbledon and the US Open in 2000.

The Williams' dominance was evident when they both advanced to the semifinals of the fifth grand slam. Minutes before facing Serena, Venus announced her withdrawal due to a knee injury. When the public learned what had happened, speculation of match-fixing began to surface. Richard Williams, her father, had been the victim of rumors linking him to the manipulation of the results;

Read also

Here is how much you can earn in Prize Money at Indian Wells Open 2025

Elena Dementieva herself had added fuel to the fire when after losing to Venus in the quarterfinals she declared "I think Richard will decide who wins tomorrow".

"Everyone has their own opinion. Everyone makes their own comments. That's how rumors start. I guess rumors are more exciting than the truth," said Venus.

"We're competitors and we always go out to compete, and that's the way it's always been. I think maybe if my dad decided, then maybe Venus wouldn't be up 4-1, maybe we'd be three to three by now," the younger Williams explained.

The next day, during the final between Serena and Belgian Kim Clijsters, the crowd vented their frustration. A large part of the more than 15,000 people in the stadium booed the former world number 1, hurling all kinds of racist insults at her.

None of this would stop Serena, who would end up being crowned champion again. The story would not end there, as different moments of the unfortunate episode would continue to come to light until the following days.

In her autobiography On the Line (2009), she detailed how she cried in the locker room after winning the game, feeling "betrayed" by the hostile environment.

A little known detail is the fact that Elena Dementieva, two weeks after what happened (partly because of her comment), said she had been joking and that she did not expect so much repercussion.

The then tournament director, Charlie Pasarell, initially denied that there had been racial slurs, downplaying what happened.

"I had some things happen to me there that changed my life tremendously. So I told Larry Scott (former WTA president) that things happened there that he understands shouldn't happen, especially me being African-American. I won't be able to say anything positive about Indian Wells. If they really want me to promote it, honestly, I don't know what to say," Serena told the New York Times in 2008.

14 years of absence

The Williams announced their decision not to participate in Indian Wells as of the 2002 season. Their absence was undoubtedly a notable void. Over the years, the California public would miss the chance to see two of the greatest players of all time compete.

2015 - Serena's return to the desert

Over the years, numerous gestures by the tournament in conjunction with the WTA have smoothed out the differences.

Media pressure and social repercussions led to changes in the structure and organization of the event. The staff received training to ensure respectful and equal treatment of all competitors. In addition, the event implemented diversity programs, such as scholarships for young minority tennis players.

Read also

Tournament Centre Indian Wells Open 2025: Schedule, results, Prize Money and TV Guide

Slowly the positions got closer and closer until finally Serena would make her comeback in front of a standing ovation in 2015. Although she would have to retire in the semifinals against Simona Halep, the winner of 23 Grand Slam titles had already achieved something more important.

"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 is that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015."

The following year it would be Venus' turn to return to the tournament, turning the page on a chapter of struggle against injustice and mistreatment.

Indian Wells 2025: A reconciled tournament

The current tournament director, Tommy Haas, has publicly acknowledged the mistakes of the past, and has pledged to continue to develop integration policies in order to strengthen education on issues of racism and discrimination.

The legacy of the 2001 boycott is still evident today. The competition has promoted various initiatives linked to bringing tennis to marginalized sectors of society;

The strict policies of conduct within the facilities of the venue contribute to maintaining a line of respect from all members of the organization and the public.

2018: Serena and Venus, face to face 

The story would not be complete if we did not mention that the fans had the opportunity in 2018 to experience a duel between the sisters, already consecrated as socio-cultural and sporting icons.

On that occasion, in the third round of the tournament, Venus and Serena would take the court in Indian Wells, marking the 29th duel between them.

Venus would win in straight sets by 6-3 and 6-4, getting the pass to the round of 16. The eldest Williams would achieve her best performance in the event, reaching the semifinals. It had been 4 years since her last victory against her sister;

The duel represented an emotional closing for both teams and for the tournament's audience. Beyond the instance, the match had great symbolism due to the historical context.

Translated from an original piece on TenisAldia.ES published on 3/3/2025

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe