There are reasons why Indian Wells is recognised as 'Tennis Paradise'. Renowned for its scenic views, relaxing vibes and luxurious amenities, it offers players and fans an unforgettable experience.
But the 2001 edition marked an unforgettable tournament for the dominant Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, for all the wrong reasons.
After clinching her second title in the desert against Kim Clijsters, Serena was subject to booing and heckling from the crowd in retaliation to Venus' sudden withdrawal in the semi-finals, which scrapped a blockbuster clash with her sister.
Throughout the final, with Venus watching on from the stands, despicable racial slurs were directed at Serena's family.
The sisters' father, Richard, shared his harrowing account of racist comments, telling USA Today: "When Venus and I were walking down the stairs to our seats, people kept calling me 'nigger.' One said, 'I wish it was 75', we’d skin you alive… I think Indian Wells disgraced America."
Reflecting back 24 years later, it's surreal to imagine what Serena was going through in that moment. The stage should've been hers to savour, but instead, the occasion was marred by fans who targeted a hapless and vulnerable teenager.
For tennis, it was a painful stain on the sport, and more specifically, Indian Wells.
So it was no surprise that from that point onwards, Serena and Venus would opt to boycott the event for the majority of their respective careers.
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But in 2015, Serena approached the situation with a different take; one that came with a sense of maturity. The 23-time major winner chose to forgive rather than hold a grudge as she announced her planned return to the event for 2015.
"I’m fortunate to be at a point in my career where I have nothing to prove," Williams wrote. "I’m still as driven as ever, but the ride is a little easier. 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 that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015."
She then went on to say: "Indian Wells was a pivotal moment of my story, and I am a part of the tournament’s story as well. Together we have a chance to write a different ending."
After revealing it would be difficult to forget "spending hours crying in the Indian Wells locker room after winning in 2001", it marked an important step in Serena's healing process.
Serena stepped out on Centre Court for the first time since that infamous incident to a warm reception, a standing ovation which forced her to hold back tears - the complete opposite to the treatment she endured at the same spot 14 years prior. Finally, she felt respected, admitting to feeling "overwhelmed" by the positive response.
She defeated Monica Niculescu in that match, where the then world No.1 would make a deep run to the semi-finals before withdrawing due to a knee injury. Yet unlike Venus' semi-final withdrawal in 2001, this time, spectators were understanding of the situation.
Venus would then follow her sister's initiative and return to Indian Wells in 2016, putting to bed an uncomfortable feud.
In many parts of the world, racism is still sadly part of society. But for Indian Wells, the events which occurred in 2001 may go a long way in helping recognise the harmful impacts of racial abuse.
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