Chris ‘Mad Dog‘ Russo tuned in for the season’s most anticipated match on Monday, July 29. However, to much surprise, his experience was derailed by Serena Williams‘ coach, Rennae Stubbs, as he found himself chagrined by her coverage. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal locked horns for a record 60th career meet at Court Philippe Chatrier at the 2024 Paris Olympics in a ‘probable last dance.‘ However, the commentary was not up to par for one viewer.
While spectating the legendary tennis duo’s much-awaited spectacle, Russo was not impressed by Stubbs’ commentary. So much so that Mad Dog blasted the Australian coach for an entire segment of his podcast. The sports analyst went on a lengthy rant to address her “atrocious performance.”
The American notably stated that the 53-year-old “never shut up“ throughout the match, ruining the showdown for him. “I watched the match this morning on Peacock and despite the fact that Rennae Stubbs did everything in her power to absolutely ruin it and never shut up and was, poor Mary Carillo, did an awful job.”
Later, he reiterated his stance by claiming that the former Australian tennis player shouldn’t have commentated after every single point owing to fans’ acquittance with Nadal and Djokovic’s rivalry. “I know what’s going on with the crowd liking Nadal. I understand. I’m a tennis fan. I’m into it. I don’t need her every single point.”
However, Stubbs later caught wind of Mad Dog’s comments, and she did not take kindly to his remarks. The analyst criticized Russo for his “misogynist“ words. After acknowledging his opinion, the NBC commentator reposted a user’s comment on X that claimed the former’s rant as “toxic, misogynist nonsense.“ Later, she also took to her social media handle to address the situation first-hand, notably outlining the American’s remarks as ‘sexist‘. However, that wasn’t the end of it.
Chris Russo hits back at Serena Williams’ ex-coach
Russo was still on air when he discovered the tennis analyst’s response and took his comments up a notch. Mad Dog claimed that his opinion was not sexist because his criticism was solely focused on Stubbs and not her broadcast partner, Mary Carillo. “Now I’m annoyed. How in the world can you call me a sexist if I say great things about Carillo and bad things about her?”
He later retorted by rhetorically questioning how a sports talk personality like him can not be privy to make remarks on other broadcasters. “To sit there and say I can’t comment about a broadcaster when I’ve done that for 47 years? Come on.“
The Serb concluded the former World No. 1’s challenge in straight sets. As for Stubbs, regardless of Mad Dog’s opinion, will stay as the official commentator for upcoming clashes at the quadrennial event in Paris. Will she find favor in the Mad Dog anytime soon?
