Venus Williams follows sister Serena's footsteps; to end 15-year Indian Wells boycott

New Delhi: Venus Williams will finally play in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells next week, thus ending a 15-year boycott.

Last year, her sister and world number one Serena returned to the prestigious Californian event after more than a decade.

The Williams sisters have boycotted the tournament since 2001, when she and Serena were booed by sections of the crowd.

The 35-year-old had said that her decision to play at Indian Wells was prompted by the warm reception her sister received last year, when she was given a 57-second standing ovation before her opening match on Stadium Court.

However, her father Richard has long alleged that the family was subjected to repeated racial slurs after Venus withdrew from a semi-final against Serena due to a knee injury.

Venus also said that the criticism directed at her family had left a lasting mark on her.