Serena Williams avoided a $50,000 fine from The All-England Club after skipping her post-match media availability following her loss to Maya Joint on Tuesday at Wimbledon.
Williams, 44, was playing her first competitive singles match in nearly four years and lost to Joint in three sets, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 in the first round.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion and seven-time Wimbledon winner received a standing ovation as she left Centre Court, but was “not able” to undertake post-match media responsibilities. Instead, she issued a statement shared by the tournament.
“It was really great to be back at Wimbledon,” Williams said in a statement. “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.”
Williams is set to play doubles with her older sister Venus, 46, on Thursday.
Tennis players are required to meet with the media after matches, win or lose.
The 2026 Grand Slam rule book, followed by all four majors, states that “both winning and losing players or teams will be required to attend post-match media opportunities following the conclusion of each match”.
The rule book says the media opportunities “enable players to put across their opinions on their performance and provide valuable exposure to the media and fans” and “help drive engagement with the sport”. Violation of the rule can lead to a fine of up to $50,000.
Still, Wimbledon was satisfied with Williams’s statement and did not fine her.
It remains to be seen if Williams will play the hardcourt swing and, potentially, the U.S. Open following Wimbledon.
“I think she can get back, I’m not gonna say Top 10, but I’m gonna say Top 100, Top 50 pretty easily,” Mary Joe Fernandez said on ESPN.