After Iga Swiatek & Mirra Andreeva incidents, Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs calls for bigger punishments to players abusing balls
Rennae Stubbs, former coach of tennis legend Serena Williams, has weighed in on a growing issue in the world of professional tennis: players’ abuse of balls during matches. Following recent incidents involving top players Iga Świątek and Mirra Andreeva, Stubbs is calling for tougher punishments for players who display inappropriate conduct by abusing tennis balls in the heat of competition.
The Incidents
The discussion comes after incidents involving two rising stars in women’s tennis. World No. 1 Iga Świątek was recently caught in a heated moment during a match at the 2025 Indian Wells, where she aggressively slammed a ball after losing a point, sending it into the crowd. Although the ball did not hit anyone, the act was seen as unsportsmanlike. Similarly, 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva, a breakout talent, threw a ball with frustration during her match in the 2025 Australian Open. While neither instance resulted in injury or harm, both players’ actions raised concerns about the tone they set for younger, impressionable fans and the sport at large.
Rennae Stubbs’ Stand
Stubbs, a former top-ranked doubles player and coach of Serena Williams, has been outspoken on issues related to player behavior in tennis. She has called for the implementation of stricter penalties for ball abuse, citing the negative impact these outbursts could have on the integrity of the sport. Stubbs believes that players who misuse balls in anger, regardless of the severity, should be subject to more severe consequences, which could include point deductions, fines, or even match suspensions for repeat offenders.
In an interview, Stubbs emphasized the need for professional athletes to set a good example, especially in a sport like tennis, where etiquette and respect are paramount. “We often see players take out their frustrations in ways that can be harmful to the image of tennis,” Stubbs explained. “I’ve been in the game for a long time, and I understand that emotions run high, but we have to draw the line somewhere. It’s time for the ATP and WTA to consider stronger punishments for ball abuse. These behaviors can’t be ignored.”
The Growing Debate
The issue of ball abuse in tennis is not a new one. Over the years, multiple players, including some of the sport’s biggest stars, have faced criticism for their on-court behavior. However, the recent incidents involving Świątek and Andreeva have reignited the debate on whether the sport’s governing bodies are doing enough to address these outbursts.
On one side of the argument, some believe that ball abuse is a normal part of the game and a manifestation of the intense pressure players face at the top level. They argue that tennis is an emotionally charged sport, and players should be allowed to vent their frustrations in ways that don’t necessarily compromise the integrity of the game.
However, the opposite view, echoed by Stubbs, is that ball abuse detracts from the professionalism of the sport. The act of throwing or slamming tennis balls with aggression, regardless of intent, is seen by many as an unsportsmanlike display. With young athletes looking up to the top players as role models, Stubbs asserts that it is essential to enforce consequences that deter these behaviors and protect the reputation of tennis as a sport that values discipline and respect.
Consequences and Enforcement
Stubbs’ call for more significant punishments comes at a time when other sports have taken steps to hold athletes accountable for their behavior. For example, the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) both have established fines and suspensions for players who engage in unsportsmanlike conduct. Stubbs suggests that tennis could follow suit by introducing a more transparent and systematic approach to punishing ball abuse, which would set a clear precedent for current and future players.
“There are so many ways to let off steam—break a racket, scream into your towel—but abusing the ball shouldn’t be one of them,” Stubbs said. “We need to hold athletes to a higher standard and protect the future of tennis by ensuring that this kind of behavior isn’t normalized.”
The Role of the Governing Bodies
Both the ATP and WTA are aware of the growing concern regarding player behavior, but it remains to be seen how they will respond to calls for tougher penalties. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on mental health and player well-being, with more initiatives designed to support athletes dealing with pressure. However, whether this approach will extend to regulating behavior on the court is yet to be determined.
As Stubbs points out, creating an environment where emotions are handled in a respectful and controlled manner is key to fostering a positive atmosphere for players and fans alike. “Tennis is about precision, grace, and mental strength,” Stubbs concludes. “We can’t allow players to think that it’s okay to abuse the ball as a form of emotional release. That’s not the message we want to send to the next generation.”
Conclusion
As the tennis world grapples with the impact of ball abuse, Rennae Stubbs’ call for stricter punishments serves as a timely reminder that actions on the court have consequences beyond the scoreline. Whether or not the sport’s governing bodies heed her advice remains to be seen, but the discussion surrounding player conduct and accountability will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of tennis.
