Serena Williams’ former coach slams Patrick Mouratoglou over Iga Swiatek comment

Former world No. 1 and Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs fiercely rebuked Patrick Mouratoglou, Naomi Osaka’s coach and high-profile tennis commentator, after he suggested that spectators prefer watching men like Djokovic and Alcaraz over women’s stars like Iga Swiatek.

On his Instagram, where his statement was reposted by Tennis365, Mouratoglou said the following: "They want to come back home and say ‘I saw Djokovic’ or ‘I saw Alcaraz.’ If they come back and say ‘I saw Swiatek,’ it’s not the same.".

That remark sparked immediate backlash. Writing on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Stubbs did not hold back: "Imagine a guy that is only known because he coached a woman. I could say more but I won't.".

Stubbs, who coached Williams to her record-tying 23rd major, returned the criticism directly at Mouratoglou’s reputation.

This is not the first time Stubbs has defended female players. In 2023, she defended women’s tennis against criticism that it lacks excitement. She tweeted: "Don't tell me women's tennis is boring! The semis were better and now this final is fantastic! yes the 2nd set of Alcaraz Joker was amazing but the match was blah and Rudd Zverev match was BLAHHH. Thank goodness for the ladies!".

Mouratoglou, celebrated for his work with Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and others, argued his point in response to complaints about unequal scheduling at the French Open, particularly the underrepresentation of women’s matches in prime time. His comment was interpreted by many as demeaning Swiatek and undermining women’s tennis.

Stubbs, now a respected commentator on ESPN and host of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, argues that this type of rhetoric undermines the sport’s progress. Her pointed reply reflects long-standing frustration with any suggestion that women’s tennis is somehow less entertaining.

While Patrick Mouratoglou may believe he is pointing out commercial realities, critics like Rennae Stubbs see it as yet another example of dismissing female excellence in a sport where women continue to deliver at the highest level.