Share

Serena releases statement after presser no-show

Miami - Serena Williams is facing a fine after failing to show up for her press conference following her first-round defeat to Naomi Osaka at the Miami Open

The former World No 1 was making just her second competitive appearance since returning from a 14-month absence due to pregnancy. 

Unfortunately, the unseeded Williams was drawn against in-form Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka first up, and what followed was a rare 6-3, 6-2 defeat - and an even rarer first-round exit. 

It followed her third round exit against her sister Venus in California last week, and it seems Williams is not used to dealing with this lack of success. 

Clearly upset after the loss, the American decided not to show up for her post-match press conference, and is now facing a $1 000 fine for not adhering to the tournament guidelines. 

Williams did, however, later release a statement through the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). 

"Every tournament is an opportunity for me to better understand the areas I need to improve to be my best," Williams wrote. 

"Naomi played a great match and I learn something each time I play. I look forward to continuing my return by progressing every day. 

"I'm so grateful for my fans who continue to support me every step of this incredible journey." 

Meanwhile, Osaka could barely contain her excitement at beating the 23-time Grand Slam champion. 

"It's weird if you grow up watching someone and wanting to be exactly like them and then you have the chance to play them," Osaka said after the match. "It's sort of this respect thing, but you also want to win really bad. I don't really know how to describe it. I just wanted her to, in the end, like after the match, just know who I am and stuff." 

Osaka was also happy to hear her opponent shout at the other end of the court. 

"Sometimes she plays matches where she doesn’t say ‘Come on!’ at all," she said.

"That’s a little bit sad, because it’s like, ‘Do you think she’s trying?’ So I just wanted her say ‘Come on!’ once. I knew then maybe she would be trying a little bit. Sometimes when I’m in a really hard position when I’m serving, I’m like, ‘What would Serena do?'"

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE