Serena Williams ends 14-year Indian Wells boycott with win

Williams was playing her first tournament since winning her 19th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January

Serena Williams ended a 14-year boycott of Indian Wells with a 7-5 7-5 win over Monica Niculescu on her return to the California tournament.

Williams was booed and heckled during her last appearance at the event in 2001, when she won the final.

This time she was given a standing ovation as she walked on to court, before sealing victory in two hours.

"It is one of the biggest moments of my career," said the 33-year-old. "I feel like I've already won this tournament."

The American was watched by several family members, including her mother, as she returned to the scene of her 2001 defeat of Belgian Kim Clijsters.

That final was marred by the behaviour of some fans who heckled her and her family, apparently in response to sister Venus withdrawing injured from the semi-final between the siblings.

Her father, Richard, later accused fans of racial abuse and the Williams sisters had not returned to the event until Serena's match on Friday, with Venus still staying away.

"I felt like I made the right decision and I knew I wanted to do it," said Serena.

The world number one, top seed for the event, initially looked nervous against her Romanian opponent and made 48 unforced errors before eventually winning a lengthy and hard-fought match.

"I didn't know what to expect," Williams said of the standing ovation.

"In the last couple of moments leading up to it, I was focused on warming up for the match and I wasn't really prepared for that. I was overwhelmed by it.

"It was such a warm feeling. It made me feel incredibly well. And receiving the love from the crowd here, it really meant a lot to me."

Williams was close to tears as she walked on to court at Indian Wells for the first time since beating Kim Clijsters in the 2001 final

"It felt great walking out here and everyone wishing me well," said Williams, after receiving a warm reception

Williams has won 55 titles since last playing at Indian Wells - including 18 of her 19 Grand Slams - but she said this win ranked "super high" on her all-time list