In an interview this week, American Alexandra Stevenson stated once again that there was racism on the tour, especially in the southern states of America. Serena Williams added to the debate when she admitted essentially to boycotting a tennis event in South Carolina, where they still fly the confederate flag - which is seen as a symbol of racism - over the State House.

"I didn't play there because I'm not going to go anywhere that's going to put my race down," said Williams. "We've been oppressed for so many years. I don't need to go there and support something that's against. . . they probably weren't against me, but they had the flag up, so obviously there is something."

While the black players feel queasy taking part in such events, you wonder why white players feel so comfortable.