The BNP Paribas Open announced last Wednesday that Venus Williams received an invitation to compete in the tournament, which would be her first competition in nearly a year. However, the seven-time major champion has declined the invitation.

The jeers appeared to be in response to Venus withdrawing from the semi-final between the two siblings, citing a knee injury. Her father, Richard, later accused fans of racial abuse. Venus did not return to the tournament until 2015, a year after Serena.

Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wild card this year,” the event posted on social media, saying it was a message from Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas. “We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future.