Serena Williams Avoids Fine: Exemption Over Knee Injury

Serena Williams avoided a fine of up to $50,000 for skipping the press conference following her first-round elimination at Wimbledon: the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which organizes the tournament, did not impose any sanction after the tournament's and the WTA's medical staff exempted her from media obligations due to a knee issue she suffered at the end of the first set against Maya Joint.

The 44-year-old former world No. 1, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, was defeated 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 by the 20-year-old Australian, ranked No. 87 in the WTA rankings, on Tuesday, June 30, on Centre Court. It was Williams' first singles match in nearly four years.

Her agent, Jill Smoller, explained that Williams injured her knee at the end of the first set and was "exempted from media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical staff," adding that she left the court without needing assistance and is doing everything possible to be ready for doubles.

Instead of the press conference, Williams released a short statement: "It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I didn't expect to be here. The atmosphere was incredible." It remains to be seen whether her knee will allow her to take the court for doubles with her sister Venus, scheduled for the coming days.