Rules apply differently? Serena and Venus Williams avoid a fine — despite skipping US Open press
WTAMonday, 07 September 2026 at 00:30
Serena and Venus Williams will not be fined for skipping their post-match press conference after their dramatic US Open doubles defeat, despite the USTA receiving no injury-related explanation for their absence. The decision was first reported by journalist James Gray, who confirmed that the sisters will avoid a punishment despite media obligations being mandatory at Grand Slam tournaments.
The decision comes after the Williams sisters' much-anticipated return to the US Open doubles draw ended in one of the most dramatic matches of the opening week. Playing together at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2022, Serena and Venus lost to Maya Joint and Chan Hao-ching 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(7), despite leading 5-0 in the deciding match tiebreak.
Their defeat was followed by another surprise when the tournament announced that neither sister would be available for the media. Under Grand Slam rules, players who are requested for post-match press are expected to fulfil the obligation, with fines possible for failing to do so without reasonable grounds such as illness or injury.
The absence therefore became part of the story surrounding their US Open comeback. But according to Gray's report, the USTA has decided not to sanction either player. The decision is particularly notable because, unlike Serena's situation at Wimbledon earlier this year, no injury explanation was provided to tournament officials this time.
A dramatic defeat followed by an unusual exit
The sisters had plenty to discuss after their defeat. They had fought their way back into the match after losing the opening set and then appeared to be on course for victory in the deciding tiebreak. At 5-0 up, however, the Americans were unable to close it out. Joint and Chan produced a remarkable comeback to win ten of the next twelve points and eliminate the Williams sisters after more than three hours on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It was the latest chapter in a remarkable return to competitive doubles for the sisters. Serena had not played a Grand Slam match since her retirement in 2022 before returning to competition this year, while Venus has continued her own comeback at 46.
The circumstances made the post-match media session particularly significant. As Ben Rothenberg reported in Bounces, multiple journalists had requested the Williams sisters as a pair through the tournament's media system. The USTA then informed credentialed media shortly after the match that they would not be available.
Rothenberg also reported that Serena left Arthur Ashe shortly after the match, while Venus remained at the stadium and went to the locker room. Because journalists had requested the doubles team rather than Venus individually, the tournament did not make her conduct the press conference alone.
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The decision not to impose a fine has consequently attracted criticism from members of the tennis media. The controversy is unlikely to overshadow what the Williams sisters achieved on court, but it has added another layer to an already unusual US Open comeback. Their doubles run lasted only one round, ending after they surrendered a commanding position in the deciding tiebreak.
Now they have also avoided the financial consequence that normally hangs over a Grand Slam press no-show. For two players whose careers have repeatedly existed outside the usual boundaries of tennis, the US Open has once again produced an exception.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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