Rennae Stubbs is an outspoken commentator in and outside of tennis. She’s never shy about expressing her opinions on a range of subjects. As a former world No. 1 doubles player and one-time coach of 23-time Major winner Serena Williams, her views count. Back in 2011, Stubbs candidly shared her perspective on life as a tennis pro, saying, “When you are young it’s easier because your body responds. Yes, physically it’s tough, really tough. It’s a long season. Sometimes you see players working a lot at the start of the year and then at the end they are just trying to maintain their health. I think tennis players are selfish and in their own world.” Today, she reflects on the changes in the sport and shares her perspective online. But does she still believe her words from earlier?
On March 18, the tennis world was rocked when Novak Djokovic‘s Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) filed a lawsuit against major governing bodies, accusing them of operating like a “cartel” that exploits players and prioritizes profits over their welfare. The PTPA claims players are trapped in an unfair system, sparking a bold challenge to the sport’s status quo. Notably, the lawsuit follows extensive consultation with over 250 professional players, including top-20 ATP and WTA Tour members, who overwhelmingly support the need for change.
On Wednesday, Stubbs, who coached Serena during the 2022 US Open, shared her thoughts on X. She stressed that while professional tennis is difficult, the rewards are worth the grind. She wrote, “Being a successful pro tennis player is hard. Long stints away from home (especially Aussies), injuries, tough emotional moments, loneliness, hard grinding physical work and mental fortitude. But it’s what u sign up for and u know what u can get out of it if u work hard enough.”
Being a successful pro tennis player is hard. Long stints away from home (especially Aussies), injuries, tough emotional moments, loneliness, hard grinding physical work and mental fortitude. But it’s what u sign up for and u know what u can get out of it if u work hard enough.
— Rennae Stubbs (@rennaestubbs) March 19, 2025
If you didn’t know, Stubbs herself was a legend on the court, winning six Grand Slam titles—four in doubles and two in mixed doubles. Hailing from Australia, she was a force to be reckoned with. Despite the pressure of competing at the highest level, she excelled before hanging up her racket and taking on roles in punditry and coaching.
Additionally, her stance on the PTPA’s lawsuit comes after she supported Djokovic following the criticism he received for his hamstring injury. When he retired from the semifinals at the 2025 Australian Open against Alexander Zverev, the crowd booed him as he walked off the court. Stubbs spoke out on X, saying, “I don’t care what u think of @DjokerNole love him or hate him. If U booed him off the court today, you’re a disgrace. That man has literally left his heart & soul on that court. He’s our greatest champion Melbourne and he’s injured! Think about what you just did. Disgraceful!!”
The lawsuit is yet to see a conclusion. In the meantime, the WTA released a strong statement in response to the PTPA’s plea for change.
WTA gives its firm stance to Djokovic-led PTPA lawsuit
On March 18th, the WTA declared, “The PTPA’s action is both regrettable and misguided, and we will defend our position vigorously in due course.” Emphasizing its role as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s tennis, the WTA highlighted that players have a significant voice in its governance. “The Women’s Tennis Association is a nonprofit, membership organization that exists to advance women’s tennis on behalf of players, tournaments, and fans. WTA players, as equal members alongside tournaments, have an essential and influential voice in the governance of the WTA,” the statement read.
In recent months, the WTA has been making waves with its rebranding and innovative initiatives. One standout move is the introduction of paid maternity leave, a first in women’s sports. To qualify, players must have competed in at least eight WTA tournaments, including Grand Slams, in the past year, or 24 tournaments over three years, with at least 12 at the 250 level or above. This groundbreaking program, sponsored by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, benefits over 320 players with up to 12 months of paid leave, marking a significant commitment to supporting female athletes throughout their careers.
As the WTA noted, “We have committed to a $400 million increase in player compensation, set out a pathway to pay equality at our major WTA events, secured new investment to fuel the long-term growth of the sport, and launched the first comprehensive maternity benefits for independent, self-employed athletes in the history of women’s sports.”
As the drama unfolds, voices like Rennae Stubbs are weighing in, and the PTPA’s firm stance on better player treatment. Will their efforts lead to significant changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “It’s What You Sign Up For,” PTPA Receives Subtle Reality Check From Serena Williams’ Former Coach After Recent Lawsuit appeared first on EssentiallySports.
