Serena Wins This Time, And Neither Has Plans To Play Near Palm Springs

Even though it will cost them bonus money and precious ranking points Venus and Serena Williams will face WTA Tour suspensions for their continued boycott of the Indian Wells tournament where they were booed in 2001 under new 2009 WTA rules announced Wednesday.

That was the year when Venus backed out at the last minute with a knee injury, causing many to question the motives for the pullout. Serena was booed in the final, which she won 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Serena beat seventh seed Venus 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (9/7) in a US Open quarter-final Wednesday and after the match, Serena made it clear that she will not be at Indian Wells, ban or no ban. "I don't play that tournament," she said.

Venus led early in both sets, thanks to dominating 120-mph serves but Serena adjusted, eventually winning both sets in rugged tiebreakers. Serena now owns a 9-8 advantage in the sister-vs.-sister rivalry . Source