Serena Williams returns to standing ovation, victory at Indian Wells
There were plenty of cheers and even some tears as Serena Williams ended her 14-year boycott of Indian Wells.
Williams became emotional as she walked onto the court Friday to a standing ovation for her opening match before eventually prevailing against Monica Niculescu 7-5, 7-5.
"It feels great. It's overwhelming walking out here. The cheering was really a wonderful feeling," said Williams. "It's been wonderful coming back and stepping out on the court and creating new memories."
It's her first visit to the event since she was booed as a teenager following a cancelled semifinal match in 2001 with sister Venus Williams.
That was followed by her father Richard Williams saying he heard racial slurs during the final that Serena went on to win against Kim Clijsters.
Richard and Venus did not join Serena on Friday, but her sisters Lyndrea and Isha as well as mother Oracene Price were in attendance.
There is no way I can return that serve if I’m not facing it. #serenareturns @NikeTennis pic.twitter.com/ysV36SXfOc
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) March 13, 2015
Meanwhile, third-seeded Simona Halep advanced to the third round with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory against Dana Gavrilova.
No. 7 Agnieszka Radwanska cruised past Alison Riske 6-3, 6-1, and No. 8 Ekaterina Makarova beat Elena Vesnina 6-4, 6-0.
No seeded players were on the court in men's play. Not that it mattered. The spotlight Friday was for Serena, and Serena alone.
- With files from The Associated Press.