Sharapova lost to Serena Williams in the quarter finals of the Australian Open in January and has not played since.
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At the tender ages of 20 and 19 respectively, both sisters were set to face each other in the semi-final when Venus withdrew with a knee injury.
Williams suffered from racial slurs and verbal attacks at the tournament in 2001, and she has not participated in the tournament since. Despite threats of financial sanctions, the sisters boycotted the tournament until a year ago, when Serena returned.
“We are disappointed that Maria is unable to play in this year’s BNP Paribas Open as she is a terrific competitor and a fan favorite in Indian Wells”, said tournament CEO Raymond Moore.
I remember the accusations toward me and my sister and our father. I remember my confusion and disappointment and anger. She was hoping to make her return at the event located close in proximity to her homer in Southern California. “I remember how the coverage of it at the time didn’t seem concerned with me and Serena, as people, at all-but rather only with the story itself”, she explained. Serena is still the best player in women’s tennis and the attention she brought to the situation a year ago created a positive reaction from the crowd. I held onto it. Venus likely will bring the same feeling this year when she participates in the tournament.
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“I am extremely disappointed that I am unable to compete in this year’s BNP Paribas Open”, said world number seven Sharapova, who won the Indian Wells title in 2006 and 2013.
