Ben Shelton, Naomi Osaka & others called out by Rennae Stubbs for 'joke' performance in front of paying fans

Ben Shelton, Naomi Osaka, and their peers have been reprimanded by Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs for their subpar level in a recent exhibition. Shelton and Osaka, along with Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, recently participated in the Atlanta Cup on December 6, 2025.

The four of them played two singles matches and a mixed doubles match between them. None of the matches were a total blowout based on the final scoreline. However, Stubbs felt the score was deceiving. In the latest episode of her podcast, she criticized Shelton, Osaka, and others for playing well below what they're capable of.

Fans pay a pretty penny to watch top players in action, and clear out their schedules for them. Stubbs opined that they didn't get their money's worth based on how the four players performed in Atlanta.

"I think the Atlanta exhibition show was a bit of a joke. It wasn’t really competitive. They weren’t really trying. They kind of yucked it up a little too much there. I think it was a bit chaotic," Stubbs said.

Stubbs is known for her forthright views on matters related to tennis, so for her to call a spade a spade isn't nothing new. Sabalenka and Kyrgios were the subject of her ire previously as well on account of their upcoming Battle of the Sexes exhibition.

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Rennae Stubbs didn't mince her words while criticizing Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios' upcoming exhibition

Rennae Stubbs at the US Open 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios are set to star in the latest iteration of the Battle of the Sexes. Their upcoming showdown will take place on December 28, 2025 in Dubai. The most notable version of this event featured Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

The two Americans duked it out in 1973 in a contest watched by millions all over the world. King came out on top, and her victory marked a pivotal moment in the history of women's sports. Rennae Stubbs stated that King fought to advance the feminist movement, while Sabalenka and Kyrgios seem to be in it for purely financial reasons.

"The 150 years ago was important, when it was women trying to fight for equality and women's rights in the United States. That's when it was important. When we had 50,000 or 80,000 plus people in the Metrodome in Houston watching it, and the whole country watching it. No one gives a f**k about what's happening with Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios. I mean, the only reason they're putting this on is because it is literally their company, Evolve, who's their management company, is going, we're going to make a bit of money here. This will be good. Get it on TV. Sell a few tickets. But what is in this for women's tennis?" Stubbs said on her podcast a month ago.

Sabalenka and Kyrgios have come under fire not only from Stubbs but also other noted commentators and tennis personalities. Despite the negative buzz surrounding them, they have remained upbeat and continued to promote the event.