Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Venus Williams refused to discuss her Australian Open first round defeat against Britain’s Johanna Konta and for the second time in four Grand Slam events, is expected to be fined the statutory amount of US$ 3,000 for maintaining her silence.

Eighth seeded Williams lost 6-4, 6-2 to the British no.1 and looked far from 100 per cent fit throughout her demise. It was only her eighth first round loss in a career that has now spanned 69 Grand Slam event tournaments but she was also beaten at the first hurdle at last year’s French Open.

Williams was understood to be ‘very un-communicative’ when approached by WTA officials after her one hour and 9 minutes loss.

Konta meanwhile was admitting her initial aim was to simply maintain face against the 35 year-old former world no.1. “When the draw came out and I saw Venus was my first round opponent, I just hoped I could stay out on court more than an hour,” said Australian born Konta, regardless of the fact she troubled Williams immensely in last year’s Wuhan Open quarterfinal before losing in three tight sets.

“But I’m very satisfied with how I dealt with the situation. It was hot out there. I was playing an incredibly great player but definitely played a good  level and obviously it’s always nerve-wracking. I’m happy with the whole match in general.”

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.