[HAIL-VENUS]

Poll options

Play Indian Wells-<br />Skip Indian Wells-<br />Boycott the event, complete with a March on Indian Wells that Richard organized-

<img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

 

[Williams Rulez]

Why don't you put the poll thing in your post?

Anyway, I think they'll play now that it is worth so many points. Plus the prize money is huge and Serena is the defending champion <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

 

[sartrista7]

ooh. could be interesting. I think they'll play, and one of them will probably win, and neither will pull out.

 

[brickhousesupporter]

I think they should play again, but after each victory do a victory lap around the court, with both hands in the air.

 

[V.S.]

I hope they play and are on opposit sides of the draw. Hopefully one of them will win if they do play!

 

[Volcana]

I sure as hell wouldn't. I hope they both very quietly skip it. For the next five years. There are plenty of other big tournaments around to pick up points in. And I'm sure that crowd has no interest in seeing either of them. Why show up to be abused?

 

[tesha]

Honestly I hope they never play Indian wells.

 

[Pureracket]

Whether they play it or not, I think the Indian Wells tourney organizers are going to be offering both some under-the-table incentive dough.

If either of the sisters pulls out, it will be Venus.

Note: I'm sure that the same crowd who called for their heads on a platter will be the same ones giving them a rousing ovation when they are introduced again. <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

 

[Kart]

I'm sure that the two times champion Serena will play Indian Wells for sure and I hope Venus does as well - although I wouldn't be all to surprised if she elected not to.

No doubt Richard Williams will be as attention seeking as ever during the tournament as well <img src="frown.gif" border="0"> .

 

[Infiniti2001]

I wouldn't if I were a Williams, but I suspect at least one sister will show up... I bet the organizers will do everything in their power to have both of them play though . Who knows, they're probably working on it already <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[ December 04, 2001: Message edited by: Infiniti2001 ]</p>

 

[griffin]

Indian Wells can have a strong field without them, and they can have great year without Indian Wells.

I'd respect whatever decision Venus and Serena came to, but if it were me, I'd go back with my head held high just to shove the whole thing back up a few noses.

[ December 04, 2001: Message edited by: griffin ]</p>

 

[TSequoia01]

Life is too short, I would stay home or play some other tournie. Maybe consider going back in 2003.<br /> <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> <img src="graemlins/bounce.gif" border="0" alt="[Bounce]" /> <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

 

[Monica_Rules]

Its a toughie they might boycott over racism or they might play cos of the extra points ansd the prizemoney plus Serena is defending champion!

 

[Randy H]

I think they'll show up. I think after all the abuse Serena undeservedly got there in the final, she'll be more than willing to go back and win it again. The racists in that crowd couldn't bring them down, and I think they have too much pride to let anyone try and discourage them from playing. I personally hope they do show up and let them know they are not going to be intimidated.

 

[pisces]

YES MUS DEF.

 

[Celeste]

I doubt an event like Indian Wells would pay a guarantee. It has one of the best draws around. I think Serena will return, but Venus won't. It's up to them.

 

[VSFan1 aka Joshua L.]

Serena will play, Venus will not.

 

[Becool]

I guess Indian Wells without Serena is nothing IMO. She made a lot of things there that I think would not be the same without her, that's what I think <img src="redface.gif" border="0">

I hope Venus plays too. The crowd of IW is not childish enough to admit that that thing won't happen again....<br />So, anyway if Venus don't plays, I will respect her choice anyway, but I guess Serena has to play to defend her title.

 

[Tratree]

I hope they both play IW this year. I have been going to this tournament for about five years now and it has always been a player favorite and fan favorite tournament. Venus and Serena have always been well-liked and supported there with the exception of last year's debacle. One thing to remember is that this tourney, like many others, is comprised of 70% out-of-towners, so don't get the idea it was the home crowd that would react that way again. Plus, it was a VERY specific set of circumstances that led to that awful day. I happen to think Venus couldn't play as I attended the news conference with the WTA trainer and Venus, but she could have handled it a LOT better, like Rafter or Davenport have, saying something to the crowd, hitting balls into the crowd, etc. There are a lot of really wonderful people who attend the tournament and want to see Venus and Serena play and I hope we all get the chance. Serena should hold her head high as champion of IW and Venus should come and show them the strong competitor she is.

 

[supremeross]

I think Serena will return as defending champ, but Venus will opt not to play and will focus on defending the Ericsson. I'm sure Venus is thinking who needs the headache at IW when there are plenty of other tourney and parts of the world who would appreciate her and not treat her and her family like crap. Davenport didn't receive that sort of treatment when she pulled out of the Munich final, and I know people had come in from all around the world to see that final.