Full Breakdown
Williams Sisters Skip US Open Press Conference; USTA Declines to Fine
9/8/2026, 4:22:07 AM
Doubles Defeat and Press Conference Skipped
On September 4, 2026, Serena Williams and Venus Williams lost a first-round women’s doubles match at the US Open to Taiwan’s Hao-Ching Chan and Australia’s Maya Joint. The three-set contest ended 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (10-7) and lasted more than three hours. Immediately after the match, the U.S. Both sisters subsequently missed the scheduled post-match press conference; Serena left Arthur Ashe Stadium in a car, while Venus proceeded to the locker room.
Grand Slam Media Requirement
Grand Slam rulebooks require players to attend a post-match press conference if requested by media. Skipping without an injury or illness constitutes a code violation that can lead to a fine, though the USTA retains discretion to impose or waive penalties.
USTA’s Decision
The USTA confirmed to multiple outlets that neither sister would be fined for the missed conference. In a follow-up with tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, the organization reiterated that the decision was discretionary and that no sanction would be applied for this incident.
Data & Statistics
- Opponents: Hao-Ching Chan (Taiwan) and Maya Joint (Australia)
- Match score: 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (10-7)
- Duration: over three hours
- Prior fines: Venus was fined $5,000 for a similar omission at the 2016 Australian Open.
Criticism & Opposition
Analyst Kevin Lawler publicly criticized the sisters’ decision, arguing that their wild-card status should not exempt them from media obligations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Serena fled the scene as fast as she could,” — Ben Rothenberg, tennis journalist
- “Serena Williams has now skipped the press conference twice at Grand Slams in 2026, both times as a wild card, and I don't think it's good enough,” — Kevin Lawler, backlash from analyst
- “I think it's a shocking look; I think it's a terrible decision,” — Kevin Lawler, backlash from analyst
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing tension between high-profile athletes and tournament media policies. While the USTA’s discretion avoided a fine, the episode underscores how star status can influence enforcement of standard Grand Slam obligations, potentially setting precedents for future compliance expectations.
