Serena Williams says the positive support she received from fans in her Indian Wells comeback last year, inspired her to return this year.
"I'm excited to be here. I want to do well here," Serena said. "My experience last year was great. It's the only reason I'm back."
Watch: Players React to Sharapova Scandal, Rafa Denies Doping
It's a sisterly homecoming today as Venus Williams also returns to the BNP Paribas Open for the first time since 2001 when Serena defeated Kim Clijsters in an Indian Wells final marred by jeers and boos from some members of the crowd.
"We talked about it. And I'm really proud of her," Serena said of Venus. "I'm just really proud of our family in general to be a bigger person and just come back and play for the sport and do well for the sport. And (for) our fans here, 10-year-olds and 11-year-olds who have never been able to see us play."
Venus Williams faces Kurumi Nara in her Indian Wells comeback today.
Serena Williams will play Laura Siegemund tonight in her first tournament match since falling to Angelique Kerber in the Australian Open final. Serena, who played Caroline Wozniacki in the World Tennis Day exhibition at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night said she's recovered from the flu that forced her out of Dubai last month.
"I've been okay. I was really sick for a little while," Serena said. "It held me back. I've been able to train and get ready and start again."
The world No. 1 was moved to tears by the supportive ovation she received when she stepped on stadium court last March.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion ran into both Roger Federer and Scandal star Kerry Washington at the Vanity Fair Oscar party earlier this month.
Photo credit: @BNPParibasOpen