article_snippet: Serena Williams emerged triumphant on an emotional return to Indian Wells on Friday, beating Monica Niculescu in straight sets at the BNP Paribas Open.
article_snippet: Serena Williams was afforded a standing ovation as Serena Williams walked out onto centre court, and the occasion seemed to affect Serena Williams in the early stages as Serena Williams found Serena Williams trailing 2-0.
article_snippet: Serena Williams celebrates after beating Monica Niculescu at the BNP Paribas Open the BNP Paribas Open .
article_snippet: Serena Williams went through a range of emotions on Serena Williams return to Indian Wells following a 14-year boycott .
article_snippet: Tennis fans gave Serena Williams a standing ovation as Serena Williams made Serena Williams entrance to the court .
article_snippet: The 33-year-old American waves to the crowd as Serena Williams is given a standing ovation .
article_snippet: But the 33-year-old American soon got into Serena Williams rhythm and ground out a gutsy 7-5, 7-5 triumph in two hours four minutes.
article_snippet: Serena Williams had thought about returning last year only to change Serena Williams mind.
article_snippet: Serena Williams played in front of a packed house.
article_snippet: Serena Williams had thought about returning last year only to change Serena Williams mind .
article_snippet: I just wanted to play this tournament because Serena Williams loved tennis.
article_snippet: Serena Williams played tennis for many years.
article_snippet: I just want to dedicate this match to Serena Williams, because he loved tennis and Serena Williams was very talented.'
highlights_snippet: Serena Williams overcame Monica Niculescu to win in straight sets .
  
highlights_snippet: But American was given standing ovation as Serena Williams made emotional return .