Even the greatest tennis athletes have succumbed to societal pressure and self-worth doubts. The list includes the likes of Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka as they have both often found themselves under the immense burden of fans’ expectations during their remarkable journeys on the court. The American tennis legend, however, has displayed unwavering confidence and grace under pressure. The Japanese tennis star, on the other hand, has struggled to cope with that pressure and scrutiny from the tennis community.

Speaking of the stark contrast in their mental resilience, the renowned WTA coach, Rennae Stubbs recently asserted how the former tennis ace had a totally disparate personality from Osaka. In the process, she also brought to light the 4 singles Grand Slam champion’s struggles on clay while she compared her to Maria Sharapova.

Rennae Stubbs cites differences between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka

The Australian tennis coach was recently featured in the latest episode of the Louisa Nicola podcast show in which she talked about the WTA stars, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. Meanwhile, Rennae Stubbs asserted that Osaka has always faced various challenges during her performance on the clay courts while she also compared her to the Russian tennis legend.

Stubbs said, “She [Serena Williams] had to learn on clay, she had to learn patience. I mean, she did win the French Open quite early. So she didn’t quite have those same questions that Naomi But Naomi should have been like, look, like Maria Sharapova. I’m not great. I can’t move on. Clay. I’m like a cow on ice is what Maria Sharapova said. Maria Sharapova ended up winning two French Opens.

“So, Naomi did not handle that early criticism well. And I think, you know, I think that Naomi is a very, very shy person beyond shy like it’s very hard to have a one-on-one conversation with her. She’s a little bit like unsure about herself”

Serena Williams, on the other hand, has always managed to overcome those barriers on the same surface according to Stubbs. She also said that the ‘Queen of the Court’ has always showcased mental resilience amidst all the criticism during her journey. Notably, Stubbs added, “And certainly there’s other things going on there with her. So the spotlight on her very different Serena seeks spotlight, Naomi doesn’t.“

Stubbs also revealed how Osaka has tried to stay away from the spotlight

During the podcast show, the former Australian tennis player emphasized the introverted personality of the 4 singles Grand Slam champion while mentioning her sponsorship deals. She said, “Naomi has the spotlight on her now with her advertising and all that. and people always have this opinion like, well, Naomi has all these sponsors And Naomi’s putting yourself out there and she’s doing these Louis Vuitton and bla bla bla.”

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Stubbs added, “And what do you mean she doesn’t want It’s different. she’s in control of that. I get to go to a room I take photos I leave. Not 50 people talking to her. If she walks into a social environment with 50 people she’s just like, get me out of here.”

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What do you think of Stubbs’ comparison of Williams and Osaka? Let us know in the comments section.