Serena and Venus Williams risked punishment from US Open officials after skipping their media duties following a dramatic first-round doubles defeat in New York.
The sisters walked away from Arthur Ashe Stadium without attending their mandatory post-match press conference after surrendering a commanding lead against Maya Joint and Chan Hao-ching.
Failing to complete those media commitments represents a breach of tournament regulations and can theoretically result in a fine of up to $50,000 (£37,000).
However, US Open organisers are not expected to impose that penalty on two of the most celebrated players in the tournament’s history.
Read Also: WATCH: Angela Rippon looks back on her illustrious career as she marks 60 years in TV
Their absence brought a frustrating conclusion to an evening which marked the first time Serena and Venus had competed together at a Grand Slam since 2022.
The American pair, who have a combined age of 90, rolled back the years during long stretches of a contest.
They appeared destined to advance after establishing a 5-0 advantage in the deciding 10-point tie-break.
Yet their grip on the match disappeared in fashion.
Joint and Chan claimed 10 of the next 12 points to complete a 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 victory and silence a crowd hoping for another famous Williams triumph.
Venus, 46, had been the most impressive player on the court for much of the evening.
But the veteran tightened up at the net when the pressure peaked, with several loose volleys contributing to the sisters’ late collapse.
The atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium underlined the enduring affection for the Williams sisters.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Tyson Fury questions Anthony Joshua’s ‘love’ of England as controversial Black Lives Matter speech dragged up
- Carlos Alcaraz makes shock admission after beating Wu Yibing at US Open
- Mike Dean issues statement following backlash to playing ‘secret games’ while refereeing
Spectators who had spent much of the tournament chatting between points suddenly watched in near silence whenever Serena and Venus entered a rally, before erupting whenever the Americans prevailed.
Serena, however, struggled to rediscover her form. The 44-year-old found it difficult to produce consistent serves and returns, leaving Venus to carry much of the responsibility.
Those close to the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion reportedly believe she retains ambitions of playing competitive singles matches.
Her displays since returning to the tour have nevertheless raised questions about whether she can still reach the level required to challenge leading opponents.
Joint also defeated Serena in singles at Wimbledon earlier in the summer, winning another tight three-set contest 6-3, 6-7, 6-3.
That match took a significant physical toll. Serena later revealed that severe swelling in her right knee forced her to have four syringes of fluid removed.
She has enjoyed greater success in doubles, including victories while partnering US Open favourite Carlos Alcaraz during the revamped mixed doubles competition.
But the reunion with Venus ultimately ended in heartbreak after they allowed a seemingly dominant position to slip away.
Our Standards:
The GB News Editorial Charter
