It has to be said, Auckland has seen far worse displays that Williams gave on the court on Wednesday. She was not playing well but she was not throwing it away. She fought to win a tie break for the second set and take the match to a third.
She had not played an ATP tournament for many months and it was known she would be struggling for form. She could have departed with the understanding and gratitude of Auckland fans for having had a glimpse of a player of her standing if she had observed the normal graces of sporting professionals at a press conference after the match.
Her sister, Venus, provided a complete contrast as she, too, made an early exit with an injury. Venus Williams has clearly appreciated the efforts made by the Auckland tournament and its volunteers to make players welcome here and ensure they enjoy their time in the city. The hospitality has not distracted her from winning the tournament, and it was possibly at her urging that Serena came here.
But an appearance fee would have come into the champion's calculations too. What a pity it did not come back into her calculations before she trashed the tournament. She may have made it more difficult for the director to recruit players for next year, though it is possible her peers do not take what she says seriously. They remember her giving a linesman a spray far worse.
Auckland in January is most certainly not the worst of conditions these players would face on their circuit. Serena Williams has disgraced only herself and she should not be invited back.