After holding out for over a decade, world's no.1 netter Serena Williams finally made her return at Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open. For someone who is considered a close friend to Williams, Caroline Wozniacki couldn't get any happier than to see the American making an effort to patch things up after a forgetful moment that took place on the very same court 13 years ago.
Wozniacki, who shares a special relationship with Williams, lauded Serena's bold move, competing in a tournament that left a deep scar in her heart.
"It's great for her, it's great for the tournament and it's great for tennis," the 24-year old Wozniacki said of Williams' long-awaited comeback at Indian Wells via USA Today. "It's a big step for her and I'm sure she will handle it great."
In 2001, the then 19-year old Williams defeated rival and fellow Grand Slam winner Kim Clijsters of Belgium in front of a jeering crowd. Serena's father, Richard Williams, ignited the controversy further after saying that the fans shouted racial slurs towards his daughter.
Fans' outrage at the Williams sisters reportedly started a day before the final when Venus withdrew from her semifinal match with little sister, Serena, due to injury. Fans believed Richard Williams orchestrated Venus' withdrawal to give Serena a leeway ahead of the championship match.
Since then, the Williams sisters decided not to compete at the Indian Wells Open for the next 13 years, until Serena ended her boycott this year. Venus, on the other hand, has no intention to follow her sisters' footsteps.
"It is with love in my mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, that I will proudly return to Indian Wells," Williams announced the end of her boycott through Twitter.