Serena Williams' coach Rennae Stubbs has condemned what she describes as a 'lack of empathy' following backlash over the tennis legend skipping her post-match press conference after a first-round defeat at Wimbledon. Williams, 44, lost in three sets to Australian qualifier Maya Joint on Centre Court, marking her first singles match at SW19 since 2022.
Injury Excused Media Duties
Williams did not participate in media duties after the match, prompting speculation on social media. However, it later emerged that she had tweaked her right knee during the first set. According to Grand Slam rules, players with injuries are excused from post-match media obligations and will not be fined for non-involvement. The maximum fine for skipping such duties is £37,000, unless a player has 'reasonable grounds' such as injury or illness.
'The hate and lack of empathy in this world is astounding to me,' Stubbs wrote on social media. 'Especially when you have no idea what you're talking about. Just blows my mind.' Stubbs also responded to a fan questioning whether Williams had chosen her as a coach, replying: 'Well yes Chris she did. What's your issue with that?'
Fans Rally Behind Williams
Many fans expressed sympathy for Williams, with one writing: 'It's people on Twitter, who basically are miserable with their own lives. She gave a basic handshake and people are really losing their mind over it.'
Williams' agent released a statement confirming the injury: 'Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams. She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.'
Williams' Brief Statement
While Williams did not speak to the media in person, she issued a brief statement after the match: 'It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.'
