Venus Williams, the fifth-seeded American who was runner-up at the 1997 US Open, was fined for not wearing a WTA patch in a first-round victory and could face fines of $25,000 a match. The lanky black 18-year-old who wears beads in her hair debuted a yellow halter top and blue skirt combination. The outfit was one of seven specially designed by sponsor Reebok for Williams one for her every match if she makes a return trip to the final. But because the outfit lacked a tour patch, WTA spokesman Jim Fuhse said, Williams will be fined $100. The fine will be $500 if it is absent in her next match and $25,000 every time thereafter.

Eltingh bid ends in delivery room

Jacco Eltingh's bid for a Grand Slam doubles sweep ended before his first match at the US Open when the Dutchman returned home to be with his wife for the birth of their first child yesterday. The top-seeded pair of Eltingh and countryman Paul Harrhuis were scheduled to play Americans Brandon Coupeand Dave Randal. According to Harrhuis, Eltingh was on his way to dinner Tuesday night when he got a call from home that his wife Hella had gone into labour. Eltingh caught the next flight home and was there for the delivery of son Lars."I am disappointed it happened right now. I am not disappointed he went home. "I'm happy that he came home in time for his baby, "Harrhuis said.