"Why Serena Williams always in it?" - Fans amused at Maria Sakkari ironically comparing Zhu Lin to Williams in Netflix's Break Point series

Tennis fans have reacted to Maria Sakkari ironically comparing Zhu Lin to Serena Williams in an episode of Netflix's Break Point season 2.

The Netflix docu-series dropped six episodes on Wednesday, January 10, exploring the inside stories of players from the WTA and ATP tours during the 2023 season.

Episode 1 delved into the actions that unfolded at the 2023 Australian Open. Maria Sakkari's conversation with her coach Tom Hill ahead of her third round fixture against Zhu Lin at the Melbourne Major has sparked controversy.

During their practice session, Hill warned Sakkari about her opponent having a strong forehand.

"I'd like Johnny to start shooting a little bit cause the girl [Lin] shoots... okay? She has a very good forehand," Hill said.

Sakkari was seemingly intimidated as she pleaded with Hill to not freak her out before the match. With Hill hyping the opponent, the World No. 8 ironically compared Lin to Serena Williams.

"Tom, stop it. I'm gonna get angry. Every player I play, they're great players to be playing here. You cannot freak me out before the match. I'm playing Serena Williams. I'm playing Serena Williams 2.0," Sakkari replied.

Fans online were left amused with Sakkari's controversial remarks. One fan questioned why Williams was dragged into the conversation.

"Okay but why Serena always in it," the fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another user felt it was "embarrassing" to air such a clip on the show.

"That's actually an embarassing and disrespectful thing to put on a show like this," their tweet read.

A third fan expressed disbelief at how Sakkari and Hill still maintain their player-coach relationship despite such disputes.

"I honestly can’t believe they’re still together. It’s a miracle but it worked out for a title," the fan wrote.

Here are a few other fan reactions:

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"Can't really compare someone to Serena Williams" - Caroline Wozniacki feels the American would outmatch any player

Serena Williams waves to the crowd at the 2022 US Open

Caroline Wozniacki stated that Serena Williams cannot be compared to any player on the tour. In a recent press conference, Wozniacki maintained that the 23-time Grand Slam champion, in her prime, would outclass anyone.

Wozniacki was quoted as saying:

"I mean, you can't really compare someone to Serena, in my opinion. I think when Serena was on, when she was playing her best tennis, I don't think anyone here would be able to beat her."

The Dane acknowledged that current players are performing at a "very high level". However, she feels that comparing Williams to other players is like comparing apples with pears.

"I think we have very strong players, players that are performing at a very high level," she said.

"I think it's hard to compare apples with pears. It's hard to be compared to her [Williams]," Wozniacki added.

Serena Williams retired from professional tennis in 2022. Meanwhile, Wozniacki will be next seen in action at the Australian Open, where she faces Magda Linette in the first round.