Tennis legend defends Venus Williams as fans spark | Sports News

Wimbledon winner Rennae Stubbs has stepped up to defend Venus Williams. The seven-time Grand Slam title holder confronted backlash from tennis fans on social media following her early exit from the Madrid Open.

Williams has but to secure a singles victory in 2026 and has not superior past the opening spherical of an occasion because the 2025 Cincinnati Masters, the place she defeated Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4. Her struggles on the court docket have led quite a few fans to argue she ought to no longer be awarded wildcards within the sport.

Many have argued that Williams is occupying a spot that could possibly be allotted to a youthful participant, who would possibly then use the wildcard to probably embark on a career-changing run in a event.

However, Stubbs, who holds two Wimbledon doubles titles from 2001 and 2004, maintains that Williams has earned the precise to compete wherever she chooses, as long as a event is prepared to offer her a wildcard. Taking to social media, Stubbs wrote: “100% disagree. She’s earned the right to play whenever she wants, wherever she is asked & given that opportunity. Younger players can play smaller events and earn their way on the tour if they are good enough. If you think one chance is making or breaking a player, you dont get the tour.”

When pressed by one other fan on whether or not she believes Williams ought to proceed receiving wildcards, Stubbs responded: “Thats not up to me to decide, it’s up the the tournament director, sponsors and Venus. You think she likes it? At some point she will retire and never play again, until then, its up to her and those that give it to her.”

Following Williams’ defeat to Francesca Jones on the Miami Open, former World No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov appeared on the ‘Hard Court’ podcast to argue that the veteran star ought to no longer be awarded wildcards. He said: “Have you read Dmitry Tursunov’s telegram?

“After one other Venus Williams defeat, he stated, I’ve unbelievable respect for Venus Williams’ achievements. Multiple Grand Slam singles champion, world primary, however it’s time.

“The wildcard into the main draw would be useful for many girls. The same way Maria Sharapova received one in her time. This wildcard could have been used more productively, and I, in principle, completely agree with him.”

Following her defeat in Madrid, Williams confirmed she could be sitting out the Rome event, stating: “Yeah, I mean, to get my feet dirty, this was a great start. I’m not able to play Rome, I have other commitments, unfortunately, so I’m really super sad about that, actually. My husband is Italian, so we feel sad that we can’t be there. So we would love to keep it going on the clay”