'Punchable' Holger Rune could calm down with age, says Serena Williams' former coach

Holger Rune’s antics on the court have caused Serena Williams' former coach Rennae Stubbs to call him a 'punchable' person. Stubbs said that Rune "pisses people off" with the "garbage" that he brings to the court, but expressed hope that the Dane would gain some composure with age.

Rune is infamous for his temper tantrums and antics on the court. The World No. 7 has had feuds with players like Stan Wawrinka and Casper Ruud over the last few months. Back in 2021, Rune was also fined for making homophobic slurs during his semi-final match at the Biella Challenger in Italy.

Speaking on the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Stubbs was vocal about her dislike for Rune’s behavior on the court. While admitting that the 19-year-old is proving himself to be good on all surfaces, Stubbs claimed he is "disliked on the tour" because of his "antics."

"Rune is proving himself to be so good on all surfaces," Stubbs said. "He's so young. But, man! He's disliked on tour. Is there a person that likes this kid? It's amazing; he just p***es people off on the court and the garbage that he carries on with."

However, the 52-year-old added that she was hoping Rune would calm down in a few years and that he would stop being so "punchable."

"I'm hoping that with time, by the time he's 22 or 23, he's kinda calmed down a little bit with that, I don't know, being so punchable, can I say that? Punchable with his antics, and the way carries on," she said.

The Australian also wondered if Rune's behavior and emotions played a part in his physical fitness; the Dane has struggled with cramping in the past.

“I mean, he was smacking Rublev; he gets up 4-1, and bang, the cramps start again. And he's had an issue with this in the past, where the cramping has really hurt him, and I just wonder how much of that has to do with his emotions and his ups and downs,” she said.

---

Holger Rune should've received a point penalty in the 2023 Monte-Carlo final, believes Rennae Stubbs

Rennae Stubbs feels Rune should've received point penalty at 2023 Monte-Carlo final

Renna Stubbs did not hold back while speaking about Holger Rune on her podcast. Stubbs claimed that Rune should have received a point penalty when he smacked two balls in a fit of rage during the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters final against Andrey Rublev.

"He belts two balls out of the stadium, which frankly should've been two warnings," Stubbs said. "I don't know why that was given only one warning; that's some bulls**t!"

"As soon as he hit one out, it should've been 'warning ball abuse,' but there was a delay of 5 seconds and bang, he hit another one out. That should've been two; that should've been a point penalty. These little things teach people," she added.

The Dane was up 4-1 in the third set of the final but couldn't hold on to his lead, eventually losing 7-5, 2-6, 5-7 to give Rublev his first Masters trophy.