Names In The News

VENUS WILLIAMS has been fined $3,000 by tournament organizers for not "attending a press conference following her first-round exit at the French Open." After Williams, the 15th seed, lost 7-6, 6-1 to SLOANE STEPHENS on Monday, she "snubbed the media, instead issuing a short statement" (REUTERS, 5/27). ... Real Madrid will pay former Manager CARLO ANCELOTTI more than $4M in compensation after "sacking him on Monday." Ancelotti was "relieved of his duties after failing to win a major trophy this season," with Napoli Manager RAFA BENITEZ set to be "named his successor next week." He will receive 50% of the salary from the final year of his contract (GOAL, 5/26). ... If RORY MCILROY claims the first prize of £416,000 ($638,600) at this week's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, "all of it will be donated to his own charitable foundation, which is hosting the tournament at Royal County Down" (PA, 5/27).