Williams sisters chalk $33k hotel bill
Serena and Venus Williams ran up a $33,000 hotel bill during their short stay in Auckland earlier this month, surprising Tennis Auckland organisers who had to pick up the tab.
The Williams sisters, who both exited in the early rounds of the ASB Classic, and six of their team stayed at the SkyCity Grand Hotel.
They had everything laid on including five luxury suites - starting at $579 per-night - and their own function room to relax in as a communal area.
It is understood they ordered most days from Al Brown’s Depot and Ostro - both fine-dining restaurants, and clocked up other expenses.
News of the bill comes after the sisters faced off last night, contesting the Australian Open final in Melbourne.
Tennis Auckland foots accommodation for all players.
The bill is additional to substantial appearance fees paid to both players. Serena stayed six nights, while Venus stayed longer to fulfill promotional and sponsorship duties.
ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge confirmed thebill, saying it was part of the deal with hosting superstar global athletes.
‘‘It sounds like a big bill to those reading off the cuff but when you factor in what we did it’s a pretty normal transaction for a group of eight people that were there for some up to a week and a half,’’ he said.
‘‘Like all the players we’re contractually obliged to pick up the hotel charges. We certainly don’t have any issues. I haven’t had any conversations with their team nor will I.’’
After receiving a six-figure sum just to turn up in Auckland, world No 2 Serena Williams bombed out in a shock three-set second round loss to 72-ranked American Madison Brengle; one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.
In her post match press conference Serena took aim at the Auckland tournament, saying she ‘‘abhorred’’ the windy conditions and indicated she could not leave quickly enough.
Venus pulled out with an arm injury after her second round win over Kiwi teenager Jade Lewis, stripping the Classic of its two biggest drawcards before the quarter-finals.
Despite Serena’s underwhelming performance; her damaging comments towards the tournament and inflated hotel bill, Budge said he would have the sisters back next year.
‘‘I will 100 per cent look to get her back and have been doing exactly that. It’s funny hearing reports around the disappointment and whether it was worth having her here.
‘‘We had one of the biggest athletes on the planet come and play two matches here at the ASB tennis arena.
‘‘I don’t think any of us ever expected that would happen so it was amazing occasion. At the start of the week we had nine tickets to sell for the whole week. Most sports are talking about how to fill grandstands and we want to build a bigger one because we can’t cram enough people in so I’d definitely say it was worth it.’’