Rennae Stubbs hit back at tennis fans for doubting the severity and seriousness of the injury suffered by Serena Williams at the Wimbledon Championships. The tennis legend made her comeback in the women’s singles event but was forced to withdraw from the doubles due to a knee injury.
Serena Williams’ Coach Rennae Stubbs Hits Out at Fans Raising Doubts Over Her Injury
Williams shared news of her injury on social media on Saturday, updating fans that she would not be able to compete alongside her sister, Venus Williams, in the doubles tournament. The 44-year-old revealed that her knee wasn’t ready to compete after her grueling singles match against Maya Joint earlier in the week, which she lost in three sets.
One fan expressed skepticism over her injury and her decision to skip the post-match press conference. However, Stubbs, who is serving as Williams’ coach, firmly hit back at the accusations, responding on social media.
“I would normally not respond to such idiotic comments, but her knee was drained after the match. This wrap is to help with swelling! She has a physio with her every day. They know how to treat her. She doesn’t need a brace,” Stubbs wrote.
I would normally not respond to such idiotic comments but….her knee was drained after the match. This wrap is to help with swelling! She has a physio with her everyday. They know how to treat her. She doesn’t need a brace!!
— Rennae Stubbs ♈️ (@rennaestubbs) July 5, 2026
When the user asked why Williams wasn’t fined for missing the post-match press conference, Stubbs made it clear that the absence was due to an injury sustained during the match. As a result of the severe pain she was in, she was allowed to skip the media duties.
“Because it wasn’t chronic knee pain. She tweaked it in the match and had swelling and pain during the match & then severe pain after!! Can you not read!? Like you have ANY idea! She wasn’t fined because the Drs (doctors) and tournament agreed to her circumstances and discomfort for no press,” she added.
Because it wasn’t chronic knee pain u pencil. She tweaked it in the match & had swelling & pain during the match & then severe pain after!! Can u not read!? Like u have ANY idea! 🙄 she wasn’t fined because the Drs & tournament agreed her circumstances & discomfort for no press!
— Rennae Stubbs ♈️ (@rennaestubbs) July 5, 2026
Williams had played in two doubles matches prior to her Wimbledon campaign and showed glimpses of her quality while competing alongside Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club and Karolína Muchová in Berlin.
Meanwhile, SW19 marked her first singles match since the 2022 US Open. Despite the injury, the 23-time singles Grand Slam champion remains eager to continue her tennis comeback and recently hinted that she could be back in action during the upcoming North American swing. Speculation continues that she could compete on the tour through the 2028 LA Olympics.
