Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs has expressed surprise at the sparse attendance during Naomi Osaka’s recent loss to Danielle Collins on Tuesday (February 6).
Osaka suffered a disappointing defeat in the first round of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open against the 30-year-old qualifier, falling 7-5, 6-0. Despite receiving six break points during the match, Osaka failed to capitalize, marking her third consecutive loss this season.
Renowned tennis journalist Jose Morgado shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) showing the two players shaking hands after the match, with empty seats visible in the background. Stubbs, who was part of Williams’ coaching team at the 2022 US Open, couldn’t help but remark sarcastically on the sparse attendance, saying:
“Is there like 5 people watching this? WTH?”
Following a break from the sport in September 2022 due to mental health concerns, Osaka welcomed her daughter, Shai, in July 2023 with her boyfriend Cordae before returning to the courts for practice.
However, Osaka has struggled to regain her previous form, which saw her claim a Grand Slam title each year from 2018 to 2021. Even in her doubles match at the Abu Dhabi Open, partnering with Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, Osaka faced disappointment, as the star duo lost to Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera 6-3, 6-3 in the Round of 16.
