Venus Williams fined for skipping French Open press conference

The International Tennis Federation fined Venus Williams $3,000 for skipping a mandatory press conference after her first-round defeat at the French Open on Monday.

After Williams, a 15th seed, lost 7-6 (5), 6-1 to Sloane Stephens in her second opening-round defeat in three years at Roland Garros, she declined to talk to the media. Williams instead issued a statement.

"When you arrive at any tournament you hope you will have a chance to work your way into the event, but I didn't have that opportunity," the statement said. "She just played better than me today."

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Williams and her sister, Serena, was also fined $4,000 in 2010 for not showing up to a press conference after a defeat in doubles at Wimbledon.

Venus Williams, 34, is 20-6 this season with one tournament win.

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