US Open players risk $50,000 fine for breaking little-known rule that applies even after elimination

The US Open can hand out a $50,000 fine to players who don't fulfil their post-match media obligations - even after being eliminated from the tournament.

In the prestigious event at Flushing Meadows, the US Open is offering a record-breaking sum of prize money for the final major of the tennis calendar.

Carlos Alcaraz is one of the favourites to take home the $5,500,000 for winning a second successive title in New York, despite only just returning from injury, and the Spaniard will be keen to avoid any fines following his opening two victories.

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US Open players face $50,000 fine for not fulfilling media duties

Across his successful career so far, the 23-year-old has never been fined for missing media duties, but many of his rivals have, and the punishment for doing so at the US Open is huge.

As per page 49 of the Official Grand Slam Rulebook, every player is required to attend post-match media opportunities at an appropriate and reasonable time following the conclusion of each match.

All media opportunities include, but are not limited to, interviews with the host and player’s national broadcaster, while both singles champions also agree to participate in appropriate media activity as requested.

Failure to comply with this rule, unless they are unable to attend due to illness or injury, for instance, subjects the player to a $50,000 fine.

Serena Williams almost succumbed to this punishment following her first-round defeat to Maya Short at Wimbledon in July after deciding not to attend her mandatory post-match press conference.

But the 44-year-old avoided a fine as a quote attributed to her was shared after the loss, with the All England Club deciding Williams' decision was "reasonable" and that she satisfied some obligations by providing a response.

At the time of writing, no player at this year's US Open has been fined for failing to adhere to this rule, but if they do, then they will know the consequences.

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Naomi Osaka once withdrew from French Open for refusing to speak to the media

In May 2021, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open after controversy over her refusal to speak to the media at Roland Garros.

Osaka, who was world number two at the time, opened up about her bouts of depression and suffering from social anxiety when it comes to engaging with the media.

"This isn't a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago," the Japanese star said in a lengthy statement.

"I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my wellbeing is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.

"I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly, I would never trivialise mental health or use the term lightly.

"The truth is I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that.

"Anyone that knows me knows I am introverted and anyone that has seen me at tournaments will notice that I'm often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety."

Osaka's decision to pull out of that tournament came after Grand Slam organisers said she could face expulsion from the tournament if she continued to avoid media duties.

French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton responsed to the news by stating that Osaka's withdrawal was "unfortunate".

"We are sorry and sad for Naomi," Moretton added. "We wish her the best and quickest possible recovery, and we look forward to having Naomi at our tournament next year.

"As all the Grand Slams, the WTA, the ATP and the ITF, we remain very committed to all athletes' wellbeing and to continually improving every aspect of players' experience in our tournament, including with the media, like we have always strived to do."