Australian tennis player Wrenn Stubbs has criticized the “lack of empathy” for star client Serena Williams following her Wimbledon first-round loss to Maya Joynt.
Williams’ long-awaited return to singles action ended in three sets on Wednesday morning (AEST) and she did not attend the mandatory post-match press conference.
Williams suffered a knee injury during her loss to Maya Joynt in the first round of singles. AP Photo/Maja Smajkowska
Her decision not to work in the media, given the context of her long-awaited solo comeback and the fact that she seemed underprepared, did not sit well.
However, it soon became clear that Williams had suffered a knee injury at the end of the first set, and it was swollen after the match. Wimbledon officials “released” her from media obligations so she could seek treatment.
Stubbs – a former doubles world number one turned coach – took to social media to defend Williams, whom she worked with before the Wimbledon defeat.
“The hatred and lack of empathy in this world is astounding to me,” she wrote on X.
“Especially when you have no idea what you’re talking about. Just drives me crazy.”
Stubbs has been working with Williams in the same role as Jarmer Jenkins since 2022, when Williams’ long-term partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou ended.
On the eve of her return to Wimbledon, Jenkins was busy preparing for singles, while Stubbs mainly focused on doubles.
A knee injury has cast doubt on Serena’s long-awaited reunion with sister Venus in women’s doubles.
Williams’ agent Jill Smaller said the 44-year-old is doing “everything possible” to be ready for the doubles match scheduled for Friday.
“Serena injured her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore released from her media obligations,” she said.
“She left the court unassisted that night and is doing everything she can to be ready for the doubles match later this week.”