Venus Williams has long had a way with words. This week, she had her way with 1,631 of them.
She published an essay on The Players’ Tribune that illuminates her rationale and feelings surrounding a decision 15 years in the making, after one of the ugliest episodes the sport has ever seen. The Spin recently shared thoughts on Venus' impending return to the women's singles draw at Indian Wells. What's most important is that she’s returning to the tournament venue—whether it be as a player, a team member, a spectator or a sister.
Without belaboring the matter, here are the Spin's favorite excerpts from Venus' essay, which is understandably chock-full of thoughts on Serena and sisterhood:
1. "Being the big sister means that you don’t just pave the way. You show the way."
2.On Serena's return to Indian Wells last year: "I was proud of Serena for so many reasons: for the sense of self she displayed in tackling our complicated history at Indian Wells; for making her decision with such conviction; for conveying her decision with such grace and clarity; and, of course, for playing with that exact same grace and clarity."
3.On the difference between herself and her younger sister: "My quietness lets me stew a little in my thoughts. And once I feel a certain way about something, my competitiveness can make me a little slower to come around to the other side. And that’s how it was for me with Indian Wells."
4.On how she remembers Indian Wells: "Not feeling welcome somewhere is a hard memory to let go of—at any age. At 20? It’s almost impossible."
5.On a role reversal: "I fully and truly realized [that] being the big sister means that, for all of the things I did first, and all of the times when I paved the way for Serena, the thing I can be most proud of is this time. When Serena paved the way for me."
The BNP Paribas Open kicks off in Indian Wells this Monday. All eyes will, once again, be on the older sister.
Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.