The Fiery Darts of Indian Wells

Serena Williams' chapter "The Fiery Darts of Indian Wells" in her newly released book, On the Line is a descriptive play-by-play from 2001 when the sisters competed at the Indian Wells Masters in Palm Springs, California, roughly 1.5 hours from their home. As we discussed in class, this tournament is perhaps one of the most controversial in all of tennis history. Serena writes about the events that occurred as if she had been playing them over and over again in her head since 2001. Clearly, what happened to her and her family during that tournament has left a permanent bruise on her heart. Since the 2001 verbal abuse and horrific displays of hatred against the sisters during Serena's match, the Williams sisters have boycotted the tournament and have shown no desire of returning despite the penalties they accept because of this decision.

I will be the first to admit that these inexcusable actions are a direct result of race and discrimination. Because I am not typically a big tennis fan, I was unaware of the controversy surrounding Indian Wells and read Serena's chapter as somewhat of a 'neutral third party.' After I read the chapter and watched the videos Dr. Spencer showed in class, I was disgusted, angered and speechless. What kind of person would act so vulgar towards teenagers trying to play in a major tournament? It seems to me that the fans were suffering in their own self-pity because they were unable to watch Serena and Venus play head to head. I understand their extreme disappointment and sense of let down because the tickets were probably very expensive and I'm sure major travel arrangements were made by some. However, this is not a reason valid enough to accept the fans' behavior towards Serena and her family. Had Serena been a 17 year-old white teenager, I do not believe this would have happened the way it did.

The tournament officials did not take advantage of their administrative positions and let the crowd act immature on impulse. The situation was completely manipulated by the staff at Indian Wells after Venus tried to follow the rules as best she knew how. Sometimes I wonder if the staff and tournament official enjoyed the heckling the girls got. The situation did, after all, create major publicity for their tournament. Serena, Venus and their father (referred to as Daddy in the chapter) were publicly humiliated and verbally and mentally knocked down. I am very glad the Williams sisters have boycotted Indian Wells ever since. The program in Palm Springs, California does not deserve the satisfaction and economic success the Williams sisters would bring if they chose to attend another tournament at that location. The saying "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me" is very appropriate for this situation. Life is too short to voluntarily throw oneself into a negative situation when it otherwise could have been avoided. Because of their race and the poor decisions made by the tournament officials, the Williams sisters were victims of some truly horrible behavior.

Serena's chapter is graphic. Finally, she got her chance to tell her side of the story. Serena made a bold statement that shows her true colors, "I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to give these people the satisfaction, or let them know they could get to me" (Williams p.71, 2009). She held her emotions in but unfortunately, her feelings were visible as she continued to play. She fell behind quickly and played at a level far below her capabilities. Regardless of how she played, she kept her head and she ended up winning the match in spite of the nay-sayers in attendance.

I am proud of Serena for finally telling her side of the story and for the sisters for getting even by not returning to the tournament. This terrible story should be a good lesson to learn for those who may be caught in similar situations. Serena wishes she could have done a few things differently but at the time, she was a naive teenager who did not know any better. What was she to do? It is a shame that in the 21st century, race is still a dividing factor in many aspects of our lives. I believe everyone should be treated the same because we are all given the same rights and were born the same way. Before people are quick to judge others, they should consider walking a mile in their shoes. Acting on impulse does not do anyone any good. God made all men and women equal and loves us all the same. So why can't we love each other? Society has placed a giant boulder between males/females, blacks/whites, coaches/players, teachers/students, etc. The cycle goes on and on but the concept stays the same. Discrimination and disrespect are learned habits. Venus and Serena were innocent tennis players trying to do what they do best: compete. It is a shame that the Indian Wells tournament went down like it did but at least the sisters can do something about it now. I hope they stick to their vow of never returning to that venue/tournament.