Many years ago when the Williams sisters were first coming into prominence, they were scheduled to play a semi-final match against each other at Indian Wells. Their father was perceived at the time to be a manipulative jerk who dictated which of the sisters would win a given match, unless the match was in the finals of a tournament. True or not, this was the perception.
With almost no notice (fans were in the stands waiting for the match to start), Venus pulled out of the semifinal due to an undisclosed injury, giving her sister a walk-over into the finals. The fans were pissed.
When Serena came out for the final a couple days later, the fans booed her and cheered lustily for her white, European opponent. Serena, of course, won the championship.
And from that time until today - for more than 10 years, the Williams sisters have declined to play in this prestigious tournament, which is deemed by most fans and players as one of a couple of "fifth Majors" on the global calendar.
It is speculated that the girls were expecting and waiting for a formal apology from the tournament sponsors (who have changed in the interim) and, never getting one, this unofficial, undeclared "boycott" went on for longer than it might have otherwise.
Serena Williams received standing ovation fought tears and won while ending 14-year boycott at Indian Wells For The Win
Her return to Indian Wells was loving and triumphant.
The question is this: What the hell does this story have to do with Race?
With almost no notice (fans were in the stands waiting for the match to start), Venus pulled out of the semifinal due to an undisclosed injury, giving her sister a walk-over into the finals. The fans were pissed.
When Serena came out for the final a couple days later, the fans booed her and cheered lustily for her white, European opponent. Serena, of course, won the championship.
And from that time until today - for more than 10 years, the Williams sisters have declined to play in this prestigious tournament, which is deemed by most fans and players as one of a couple of "fifth Majors" on the global calendar.
It is speculated that the girls were expecting and waiting for a formal apology from the tournament sponsors (who have changed in the interim) and, never getting one, this unofficial, undeclared "boycott" went on for longer than it might have otherwise.
Serena Williams received standing ovation fought tears and won while ending 14-year boycott at Indian Wells For The Win
Her return to Indian Wells was loving and triumphant.
The question is this: What the hell does this story have to do with Race?
