The controversy surrounding Venus and
Serena Williams' decision not to play at
Indian Wells has been composed of rumors, conjecture, and confusing comments about racism and match fixing.
Joel Drucker, who covered the tournament for Tennis Week in 2001, recounts the events from eight years ago that caused two of tennis' biggest stars to skip this significant tournament.
Wednesday, March 14, 2001 -- Indian Wells, Calif.
Venus Williams wins a quarterfinal match versus
Elena Dementieva to set up a Thursday night semifinal between Venus and Serena Williams.
ESPN.com (3/11)