World number one in tears as she returns to Indian Wells

Serena Williams was overtaken by emotions and burst into tears after she was given a standing ovation on her return to Indian Hills yesterday, Friday, March 13.

The world No 1 has not played at the tournament in the Californian desert, one of the biggest on the WTA Tour, since winning the title as a 19-year-old in 2001.

On her last game in Indian Hills, she was jeered all through as she defeated Kim Clijsters in the final.

The crowd was showing their displeasure that her sister Venus Williams had pulled out of a scheduled semi-final against her the previous day at the last minute.

It was believed that matches between the siblings were fixed and Venus and the women's father and coach Richard claimed they were subjected to racist taunts in the stands.

Williams had thought about returning last year only to change her mind; but upon her return, she emerged triumphant beating Monica Niculescu in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open.

She got off to a bad start as she trailed 2-0, but the 33-year-old got into her rhythm and ground out a gutsy 7-5, 7-5 triumph in two hours four minutes.