Venus Williams is "expected to finally have her triumphant return" to this year's ATP/WTA BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, according to Goolsby & John of the Palm Springs DESERT SUN. Tournament CEO Raymond Moore said, "Venus made the decision herself." Goolsby & John note Venus' sister, Serena, last year returned to the tournament "for the first time in 14 years to start what she described as the healing process" following their incident there in '01. Moore "was instrumental last year" in bringing Serena back. She "made good on her promise to return, and was greeted with a 57-second standing ovation just prior to her first match on Stadium Court." That experience "apparently made an impression" on Venus, and "may have influenced her decision to ultimately return." Moore: "We didn’t have to reach out to her. She had already made her decision, so obviously seeing her on the entry list this morning was great for us." After Serena and Venus left Indian Wells in '01, some said that Venus "was the more resolute about never returning." She was "adamant that her boycott would never end, and has been very public about that stance." Though Venus "has returned to the area to open up and promote her clothing boutique in Palm Desert, until last year, it appeared she would never play tennis" at Indian Wells again (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 1/28). Venus has said that "throughout the last year that she would consider a return" in '16. She said of Serena's return, "It was wonderful to see. I definitely watched every moment, and it was great to see her and my family there" (USA TODAY, 1/28).
