Venus Williams fined for press conference no-show

Venus Williams has been handed a fine of $5,000 (£3,500) for failing to turn up to a press conference after she was knocked out of the Australian Open in the first round.

The 35-year-old was ousted by British number one Johanna Konta in straight sets on Monday and later refused to participate in the media briefing that all players are required to attend.

Williams was fined $3,000 (£2,100) for the same offence last year after she lost in the first round of the French Open to compatriot Sloane Stephens.

The fine of $5,000 is a record for a female tennis player but still significantly below the maximum penalty of $20,000 and is dwarfed by her first-round appearance fee of $AU35,000 (£18,800).