Rennae Stubbs hints at gender discrepancy in coaching following Iga Swiatek's split from coach - "If you're a woman, start begging"

There has been much discussion regarding the future of Iga Swiatek, after the Polish star split from coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. With several suitors available, former player Rennae Stubbs implies it would be easier for a man than a woman to get a coaching position on the WTA Tour.

Swiatek parted ways with Wiktorowski in early October 2024, following a successful three-year stint. The duo began working together in 2022, with Saitek winning four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic bronze medal under his guidance. However, they split a few weeks ago, with the coach stating it was "a necessity" for both parties.

Having coached WTA legend Serena Williams in the past, Stubbs is no stranger to the coaching carousel. The retired Australian player believes Wiktorowski would have little trouble finding another coaching position, as he is a man. However, she hinted a female coach would have a difficult time in achieving the same goal. Additionally, she spoke on the prospect of her coaching Swiatek.

"We will see. We have spoken about it: coaching carousel." said Stubbs on an episode of the Renna Stubbs Tennis Podcast. "If you are a man, you get a job in a week. If you are a woman, start begging. I don't know, we will see,
"I am not going to coach Iga [Swiatek]. If she called me to coach her, I would be very happy to do it. But I do think she needs someone a little bit more fun, to be honest. A little bit more relaxing."