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A Year After Pulling the Curtains Down on Serena Williams’ Illustrious Career, 30YO Australian Gets the Vociferous Backing of the Legend’s Former Coach

Published 09/15/2023, 5:06 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Serena Williams played the final match of her storied career at the US Open last year. After winning 23 Grand Slams and numerous WTA titles, she decided to call it quits after suffering a fourth-round loss at the hands of the then-29-year-old Ajla Tomljanovic. After defeating the likes of greats like Serena, she quickly gained a name for herself, with many eyeing her as the next big thing in tennis. However, injuries have restricted her once-promising career.

Picking up this unfortunate fact, a fan took to Twitter where he slammed Tomljanovic for her latest released WTA rankings. However, Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs was quick to spot it and came up with a brilliant reply.

Serena Williams’ former coach slams user amid Ajla Tomljanovic’s ranking

A year after her momentous victory in the US Open over Serena Williams, Ajla Tomljanovic suffered a drastic drop in her WTA rankings. In the list released by the WTA, she found herself at the 296th spot. In a Twitter post, one fan expressed their astonishment over the same. However, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs was quick to spot it and came up with a cutting response for the fan.

Stubbs, in defense of Tomljanovic, replied to the tweet, explaining, “She has an injury. She’s played one tournament since Jan. That’s why she’s down in the rankings.” This unexpected clash on social media highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the world of tennis, where supporters and insiders alike can have differing perspectives on a player’s performance and challenges.

While Ajla Tomljanovic battles with her injuries, it will be interesting to see when she makes her comeback to the tennis courts. However, Rennae Stubbs was not the only one who slammed the user who quoted the tweet. World Number 21 Donna Vekic also came ahead and stood in support of the Australian player.

Donna Vekic defends Tomljanovic amidst struggles with injury

Ajla Tomljanovic made a comeback at the US Open this year. However, after winning her first match, she was forced to retire from the tournament after her injury did not seem to recover completely. This has turned players to show their sympathy towards the Australian professional who is completely focusing on her recovery.

Donna Vekic, in the same tweet, pointed out the absurdity of the claims made by the user. She had a knee surgery and played 1 match the whole year ?” wrote Vekic in the tweet.

Thus, the tennis world joins hands in wishing Ajla a speedy return. As she works her way around her recovery, fans eagerly wait for her mind-boggling shots and a triumphant comeback just like she did at the US Open this year.

WATCH THIS STORY:  ‘Thinking About Her Everyday’ – Despite Gruesome Schedule, Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Meticulous Struggle Revealed As He Strives To Be A Doting Father

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Written by:

Akshat Gaur

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Akshat Gaur is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2021 and has been writing since then. With over two years of experience in the world of sports journalism, specifically tennis journalism, Akshat is someone who is immensely passionate about covering the ATP and the WTA Tour.
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Edited by:

Mitali Dey