Serena Williams has revealed that she will play at Indian Wells this year for the first time since 2001.
The world number one has boycotted the event after being jeered by spectators in the final 14 years ago.
Williams accused the crowd of adopting a racist tone after her sister Venus was forced to pull out of their semi-final through injury.
However, following her triumph at the Australian Open, the 33-year-old has confirmed that she is ready to return to the tournament.
"I have thought about going back to Indian Wells many times over my career," she wrote in Time magazine. "I said a few times that I would never play there again. And believe me, I meant it.
"I'm fortunate to be at a point in my career where I have nothing to prove. I'm still as driven as ever, but the ride is a little easier. I play for the love of the game. And it is with that love in mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness, that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015."
Williams's recent victory over Maria Sharapova in the final of the Australian Open saw the American take her tally of Grand Slams to 19.
Jack Prescott
