Venus Williams suddenly has another thing in common with her sister – and it could come at a price.
Williams, just like her sister Serena Williams did after her exit from the Wimbledon singles draw, chose not to speak to the media after she and Kevin Krawietz lost their opening mixed doubles match to Lloyd Glasspool and Tereza Mihalikova, 4-6, 4-6, at the All England Club on Friday.
Venus Williams, 46, declined the media’s request for quotes following the match, with her and Serena set to play doubles together Saturday for the first time since the 2022 U.S. Open, against Solona Sierra and Camila Osorio.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion risks up to a $72,000 fine for not meeting her media obligations, according to the “Media Opportunities” section of the Grand Slam Rule Book, unless she can prove extenuating circumstances, such as injury or illness.
Serena similarly did not speak to reporters after she lost to Maya Joint, 3-6, 7-6 (8), 3-6 in the first round, on June 30.
She later cited a knee injury per her agent, Jill Smoller, with injured players allowed to forego media responsibilities.
“Serena tweaked her knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams,” Smoller told The Times, a British newspaper. “She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match.”
Serena did, however, provide a brief statement following her return to singles play after nearly four years away.
“It was really great to be back at Wimbledon,” Williams’ statement said. “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.”
Both will try to pick up their first wins in this year’s tournament.
The pair have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including six Wimbledon crowns.
