Serena Williams’ coach says her first singles match in nearly four years at Wimbledon involved factors such as nerves and conditions inside the stadium. Rennae Stubbs, one of Williams’ coaches, describes a moment during the match when Williams appears to relax as play goes on. Stubbs told The Associated Press she noticed Williams take a “deep breath” about an hour into the second set and interpreted it as her settling down. Stubbs also links the loss to match conditions, including that the roof was closed, which can affect atmosphere and play. The comments come after Williams, 44, was beaten earlier this week by an opponent less than half her age. Across the reporting, the focus is on Williams’ adjustment period—nerves and environmental factors early in the match—and how those elements may have influenced her ability to find rhythm. The coach’s remarks provide context for Williams’ performance during her return to singles at Wimbledon, without disputing the outcome of the match.
Serena Williams’ coach cites nerves and a closed Wimbledon roof after loss
Serena Williams’ coach says her first singles match in nearly four years at Wimbledon involved factors such as nerves and conditions inside the stadium. Rennae Stubbs, one of Williams’ coaches, descri...
- Serena Williams plays her first singles match in nearly four years at Wimbledon and loses to a younger opponent.
- Coach Rennae Stubbs says Williams took time to settle nerves during the match.
- Stubbs describes noticing a deep breath about an hour into the second set as Williams relaxes.
- Stubbs says nerves and the fact that the Wimbledon roof was closed are factors in the loss.
- The coach’s comments are reported by outlets including Yahoo Sports and the Winnipeg Free Press.
Looking back, it seems perfectly understandable that it took Serena Williams some time to settle her nerves in her first singles match in nearly four years. Rennae Stubbs, one of Williams' coaches, pin-pointed a moment about an hour into the 44-year-old's defeat to an opponent less than half her age earlier this week at Wimbledon. “I noticed in the middle of the second set her take a big sort of deep breath and I actually turned around to Venus and said, ‘Oh I think she just relaxed,’” Stubbs said, referring to Serena's older sister.
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