Serena Williams could be fined up to $50,000 after declining to attend her mandatory post-match press conference following a first-round defeat at Wimbledon on Tuesday. The 44-year-old American, playing her first professional singles match since the 2022 US Open, lost 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 to Australia's Maya Joint, ranked world No. 87.
Williams skips media duties after loss
Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, accepted a wildcard invitation from the All England Club. Despite a favorable draw against Joint—who had only one win in her last 14 matches—Williams could not advance. After the match, Wimbledon officials issued a statement saying: 'Unfortunately Serena Williams will not be able to undertake media this evening.' Instead, a brief set of quotes was provided, in which Williams said: 'It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.'
Grand Slam rules mandate press attendance
Under the Grand Slam Rulebook, players must attend post-match media conferences 'unless unable to appear on reasonable grounds (for instance illness or injury).' The rule states: 'If a player is unable to appear, the appropriate level of direct communication is requested. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up to $50,000.' It remains unclear whether Wimbledon will impose the fine, though Williams is expected to address the media before her doubles match with sister Venus on Thursday against Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio.
Joint reflects on upset victory
Joint, 20, who won the Eastbourne Open last year, broke Williams early in the first set and held serve to take it 6-3. Williams fought back to win the second-set tiebreak, but Joint broke twice in the third set to clinch the match. After her win, Joint said: 'I really don't know what to say right now. I don't know what just happened, to be honest. I didn't get much sleep last night, I was up until 2am just thinking about it. Walking out, I forgot the warm-up, I don't know what happened. My legs weren't moving. I really don't know how I got a pretty good start in the match. She has so much aura, she is such a legend. This court has had so many huge names that have played in it. I have been dreaming about this since I was a little kid so this is pretty crazy.' Joint will face 29th seed Alexandra Eala in the second round.
