"A bunch of clowns" - Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs hits back after fake news of her coaching Holger Rune goes viral

Serena Williams' former coach Rennae Stubbs has denied rumors spreading online that she is now coaching World No. 7 Holger Rune.

Rune recently parted ways with his former coach Boris Becker, who joined his team in October 2023. The duo experienced notable success during their brief time together as the Dane reached the semifinals and quarterfinals of the Swiss Indoors Basel and Paris Masters, respectively. He also earned a spot in the ATP Finals.

Becker announced his split with his ex-protege on X (formerly Twitter) on February 6, saying "professional and private responsibilities" were the reasons behind the decision.

Immediately after Becker's announcement, Rennae Stubbs reached out to Holger Rune on X, saying that she was available to provide her expertise to him. She wrote:

"@holgerrune2003 I have some time up my sleeve."

Rumors then began circulating online that Stubbs had become Rune's official coach, leading many to believe it was true. However, Stubbs herself has now debunked these claims, calling out those who spread the news without "zero proof."

"I have been sent this by MANY people asking 'is this true?' No it’s not! I don’t know who put this out but you’re a bunch of [clowns] to do so with zero proof. My god!" the Australian wrote on X.

---

"Holger Rune just p***es people off on the court; Punchable with his antics" - Rennae Stubbs

Holger Rune pictured at the 2024 Australian Open

Rennae Stubbs and Holger Rune have had a somewhat strained relationship for a while.

During an episode of the Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast in 2023, the veteran coach openly expressed her displeasure with Rune's on-court behavior, saying that the Dane tends to "pi** people off".

"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."

Stubbs also claimed that the 20-year-old's "antics" made him appear "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.

Holger Rune began the 2024 season with a final appearance at the Brisbane International but then faced a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open.

Despite the setback, he rebounded by reaching the semifinals at Montpellier and is now preparing to kick off his Rotterdam campaign with a match against Roman Safiullin tomorrow (February 13).