When Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs speaks, the tennis world listens — and this time, she didn’t hold back. After Iga Swiatek’s shocking loss to Danielle Collins in Rome, Stubbs delivered a brutal verdict: the world No. 1’s performance was “horrific.” Not “off,” not “shaky” — horrific. That’s a Serena-level slam, and Stubbs doesn’t toss those around lightly.
But the drama didn’t end with Swiatek’s meltdown. Danielle Collins, who played the match of her life, wasn’t basking in glory — she was calling out the critics. According to Collins, the tennis world treated her win like a fluke, ignoring the fact that she dismantled the top seed with ruthless precision. In short? She’s not here for the “Swiatek had a bad day” narrative. She earned that win — and she wants her flowers.
Stubbs, ever the straight shooter, called it like she saw it: Iga wasn’t herself, and Collins wasn’t getting the credit she deserved. It’s a rare double-barrel moment — criticism for the champ, and a rallying cry for the underdog.
And the Serena connection? Ironic. Williams, too, was often critiqued more for her losses than praised for her dominance. Stubbs, having lived through that media circus, clearly sees echoes of the same dismissiveness now.
So here we are: Swiatek’s aura cracked, Collins demanding her due, and Serena’s ghost still shaking up the conversation. Rome wasn’t built in a day — but this firestorm definitely was.
