The Davis Cup Finals didn’t pan out the way Team USA had hoped. Known for its legacy of 32 titles, the American side was expected to cruise through. But instead, they hit a roadblock against their fierce Australian rivals, leaving fans stunned and experts scratching their heads. At the center of this unexpected outcome is the decision to field Ben Shelton in the deciding match—a move that has sparked debates. And now, former tennis star and Serena Williams‘ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs, has weighed in again on the matter, offering a no-holds-barred critique of the strategy. 

The quarterfinal encounter for the Americans started with a setback as Shelton witnessed a shocking defeat against Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis, who won the match in three sets, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6. While Taylor Fritz soon came to the rescue and registered a dominant win against Alex de Minaur, it did not help his team much. Captain Bob Bryan decided to field Tommy Paul along with Shelton for the doubles match against Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson, which they eventually lost 6-4, 6-4. This move has been widely criticized by many, especially because of the stronghold that Ebden and Thompson have in such big matches. Joining the fray of critics was Stubbs. 

The 53-year-old took to her X after the match and wrote, “Doubles specialists that are major champions, more then not, will beat great singles players that haven’t played together before.” Remember, Paul and Fritz emerged as major forces in the doubles category this year and won the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics. But despite this, Team USA decided to keep Fritz on the sidelines and field Shelton. However, a fan was quick to highlight that ranking does not usually help in winning such matches. Responding to Stubbs, the user wrote, “I agree but if you watch GB double specialists playing against Slovakia double on Tuesday was absolutely bad even they are top 50 and have vast experience for playing double,” taking the example of the BJK cup which concluded recently. 

Remember, Olivia Nicholls & Heather Watson of Britain were defeated by Viktoria Hruncakova & Tereza Mihalikova 6-2, 6-2 in the decider match, despite being placed much above them in the rankings. Stubbs was quick to justify her point as she didn’t mince words highlighting the critical need for experienced doubles players in high-stakes matches like these. “I said that are “major champions” which both Aussie are. They’ve played a lot together too. Not some random top 50 guys. A top 50 doubles team wouldn’t beat a great singles pairing, they’re too good at “tennis” but great dubs players & in form will most of the time will win.” Indeed! The doubles success that the Aussie players have depicted recently is worth lauding. 

While Ebden clinched the Australian Open and the Gold Medal in the Paris Olympics this year, Thompson won his first Masters 1000 title in doubles at the Mutua Madrid Open. Hence, fielding Shelton who does not have much achievement in the category against such high-ranked players, definitely leaves room for criticism. And interestingly, it is not just Rennae Stubbs who is making such a statement and criticizing the move. 

When Coco Gauff’s ex-coach shared similar sentiments as Rennae Stubbs

Team USA’s decision did not sit well with many. Even the Aussie opponents were surprised to see Shelton and Paul as confirmed by Ebden who said, “We were expecting the other pair.” Joining the fray of disappointed voices was none other than the former coach of Coco Gauff Brad Gilbert, who did not even wait for the match to end, before expressing his surprise and disappointment over the call. 

Taking to X during the match, Gilbert wrote, “Gutsy call 📞 from Rusty went with TK4  who barely 😥 won any match the last 3 months over Pop and it paid dividends in the 1st rubber I like Fritz Carlton in the 2nd match, should come down to doubles.” But the dust has now settled and Team USA will have to wait again for their 33rd title. 

For now, what remains to be seen is whether more players or experts would join the likes of Stubbs and Gilbert to express their surprise.