In 2001, professional tennis players Serena and Venus Williams and their family, who are California natives, were racially abused and jeered in front of thousands of fans at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells, CA. As a result of this incident, both Serena and sister Venus vowed never to enter the tournament again and to this day have kept to their word. This petition has been created in an attempt to persuade Serena and Venus Williams to give the tournament another chance.
Indian Wells, or the BNP Paribas Open as it is formally known, is one of the biggest tournaments in tennis, and it is a shame that two of the sport’s greatest champions have not been a part of it for 13 years. Whether you are a tennis fan or not, there is no room for racism neither in sports nor in the world today. No matter what sport you follow, what makes it entertaining is that the best players from all over the globe are allowed to fairly compete and showcase their talent. Serena and Venus are prime examples of these types of top athletes and as such, deserve our appreciation and respect.
This tournament comes once a year, which means Southern California only has one chance to see them live, and we all want this year to be the year they end their long absence. Serena and Venus are universally adored not only for their tennis, but also for what they accomplish off the court. With this petition we hope they can give the tournament a second chance by putting aside the ignorance of a few and focusing on the love of thousands who have for years been eagerly awaiting their return.
Regardless on if you plan to attend the tournament or not, we would like you to be part of the reason they decided to come back, so please show your support by signing and spreading the word.
2 Comments
Why should they at this stage of their careers? Just offer a formal aplogy, like the WTA makes Serena do, and move on.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
In 2001, professional tennis players Serena and Venus Williams and their family, who are California natives, were racially abused and jeered in front of thousands of fans at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells, CA. As a result of this incident, both Serena and sister Venus vowed never to enter the tournament again and to this day have kept to their word. This petition has been created in an attempt to persuade Serena and Venus Williams to give the tournament another chance.
Indian Wells, or the BNP Paribas Open as it is formally known, is one of the biggest tournaments in tennis, and it is a shame that two of the sport’s greatest champions have not been a part of it for 13 years. Whether you are a tennis fan or not, there is no room for racism neither in sports nor in the world today. No matter what sport you follow, what makes it entertaining is that the best players from all over the globe are allowed to fairly compete and showcase their talent. Serena and Venus are prime examples of these types of top athletes and as such, deserve our appreciation and respect.
This tournament comes once a year, which means Southern California only has one chance to see them live, and we all want this year to be the year they end their long absence. Serena and Venus are universally adored not only for their tennis, but also for what they accomplish off the court. With this petition we hope they can give the tournament a second chance by putting aside the ignorance of a few and focusing on the love of thousands who have for years been eagerly awaiting their return.
Regardless on if you plan to attend the tournament or not, we would like you to be part of the reason they decided to come back, so please show your support by signing and spreading the word.
2 Comments
Good question. Most tennis players do not compete solely for the rewards or the fame. They love what they do and participate in whatever tournament they can. Indian Wells is a huge tournament to be at (a Masters 1000), and it would be a real statement by the sisters if they reappeared, not allowing anyone to deny them of ability to enter. There is strong reason for them to come back. An apology is the least that can occur. The sisters must know that people are not just apologetic, but want them to return so they can watch two of the best female players to ever compete.
Why should they at this stage of their careers? Just offer a formal aplogy, like the WTA makes Serena do, and move on.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 50 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Good question. Most tennis players do not compete solely for the rewards or the fame. They love what they do and participate in whatever tournament they can. Indian Wells is a huge tournament to be at (a Masters 1000), and it would be a real statement by the sisters if they reappeared, not allowing anyone to deny them of ability to enter. There is strong reason for them to come back. An apology is the least that can occur. The sisters must know that people are not just apologetic, but want them to return so they can watch two of the best female players to ever compete.