Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, has sparked a fresh debate. After facing criticism for her comments on Coco Gauff‘s double faults, Stubbs is back with a topic she has been vocal about for a long. After Naomi Osaka‘s rumored collaboration with Frenchman Patrick Mouratoglou, this popular coach highlighted the prioritization of male coaches. As Stubbs drops her opinion, the fraternity wonders: Is the professional tennis scene filled with disparity?

Naomi Osaka’s decision to part ways with former coach Wim Fissette has caused a stir within the fraternity. While the Japanese player’s recent performance made it evident, her rumored partnership with Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou has also come under the spotlight. Osaka enjoyed a successful collaboration with Fissette as their team won the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open. After ending their partnership in 2022, Osaka reappointed Fissette last year following her return from maternity leave. However, things didn’t work out this season, and the WTA star reshuffled her team.

Osaka’s rumored collaboration with Mouratoglou prompted an interesting opinion from Serena Williams’ other former coach, Rennae Stubbs. Known for speaking her mind, Stubbs took a dig at the priority given to male coaches in professional tennis and tweeted, “Taylor Swift song “if i was a man” song is just hitting me today. The tennis coaching world is hilarious!” 

Stubbs’ statement highlights how female players often opt for male coaches because that’s how the system works. Serena’s former coach shed light on the biased mentality towards female coaches, who are equally hardworking and effective in many established players’ careers. From Amelie Mauresmo to Conchita Martinez to Marion Bartoli, several female coaches have impressed the fraternity with their stellar work. For instance, Mauresmo helped Murray return to ATP No. 2, guiding him to three major finals in two years. Despite their success, female coaches are not regarded as highly as they should be.

Stubbs has previously highlighted this issue. When Holger Rune parted ways with Severin Luthi, he appointed Boris Becker. However, their partnership ended due to unforeseen circumstances, and Stubbs jokingly offered to mentor the Danish player. In response, Rune addressed the disparity between male and female tennis coaches, exposing the professional sport’s dark reality.

Rennae Stubbs’ interaction with Holger Rune brought the issue of female tennis coaches

Stubbs’ playful offer to coach Holger Rune sparked a flurry of comments on X. People were curious if this collaboration would materialize. However, Serena Williams’ former coach refuted the rumors in her own style, tweeting, “I have been sent this by MANY people asking “is this true?” No it’s not! I don’t know who put this out but you’re a bunch of to do so with zero proof. My god! ” Stubbs’ tweet caught Rune’s attention, and he joined the conversation, commenting, “Yes many confronted me too about this let them talk. Much too few female coaches on tour though.” 

Rune and Stubbs’ conversation highlighted the scarcity of female coaches, underscoring the disparity in the professional tennis scene. Given that this statement came from a player like Rune, it garnered widespread attention, opening the eyes of tennis fans. While the discussion eventually subsided, Naomi Osaka’s move with her coaching setup reignited Stubbs’ stance on the matter. Though Stubbs addresses the issue with humor, the fraternity must take notice and actively encourage the inclusion of more female coaches in professional tennis.