Holger Rune has classy response to latest coaching rumor

Ever since Boris Becker stepped down as Holger Rune's coach, there has been rampant speculation as to who his next coach will be. Rune presumably is looking for a steady and consistent influence which is something he has not been able to attain.

An internet rumor began circulating that former WTA tennis player Rennae Stubbs would be named as Rune's next coach. Both Stubbs and Rune shot down the rumor but in different ways.

Stubbs, the former coach of Serena Williams, Samantha Stosur, Genie Bouchard, and Karolina Pliskova, used the clown emoji to describe the people making uip and reporting this news with zero proof. As evidenced by her resume, Stubbs is a quality coach that maybe Rune should be considering.

What Holger Rune said

Rune commented on Stubbs' social media post. He said that he had been asked about this rumor also. Rune added, "let them talk." He also said there are "too few" female coaches on the tour. Stubbs agreed.

Though the conversation began to shoot down a rumor, Rune's point is the takeaway. Male coaches dominate both the ATP and WTA Tour. It has been 10 years since Amelie Mauresmo assumed the role of Andy Murray's coach. The hubbub from Murray hiring a female coach was considerable throughout their entire two-year working relationship.

Former players and Grand Slam champions Lindsay Davenport and Conchita Martinez used to coach WTA players, Garbine Muguruza and Madison Keys respectively, but even women as coaches of WTA players has become a rarity.

Tennis is a worldwide sport that is ahead of the curve in many ways regarding women, but the coaching piece is behind the times. Maybe this rumor will be beneficial in the long run as Rune and Stubbs spotlight a weakness in their sport.

Read more on Lob and Smash