Venus Williams has boycotted the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells since 2001 but said she may follow her younger sister Serena’s lead and return to the event next year.

Serena competed in the tournament last month for the first time since a 2001 final that was marred by the behaviour of spectators who booed and heckled the American and her family.

The reaction was in apparent response to Venus having withdrawn from that year’s semi-final versus Serena just minutes before the match, citing injury.

“I have heard so much about how much the tournament has just improved in general in terms of the fans and the players. So it will be something to see for me,” Venus, 34, said after beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-3 7-6 to reach the Miami Open quarter-finals, yesterday.

Serena received a standing ovation at the start of her first match back at Indian Wells.

Venus said she was delighted to see how her sister handled the return and the response she got from the crowd.

“It was wonderful to see. I definitely watched every moment, and it was great to see her and my family there,” said Venus.