“We exploded together in our respective professions,” Patrick Mouratoglou on working with Serena Williams


“We exploded together in our respective professions,” Patrick Mouratoglou on working with Serena Williams

Serena Williams Patrick Mouratoglou

The ever in spotlight pair of Serena Williams and coach Patrick Mouratoglou is a force to reckon with in women’s tennis. It is one of the longer-lasting coaching-player partnerships in tennis. Needless to say, they work perfectly as a pair. 10 of Serena’s 23 Majors have come during his stint with since 2012.

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Coach Mouratoglou recently claimed that the successful partnership between the two is no accident and that they were both ready to take each other to new heights in their respective professions.

“I think it happened at that point because I was ready, believable to play that role. If it hadn’t been for her, I probably would have reached this level with someone else. Serena is no accident,” he said.

“On her side, she was already a champion when I knew her, but with me, she changed dimension. Basically, we exploded together in our respective professions. Before her, Marco Baghdatis or Aravane Rezai had also brought me a lot,” he added.

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Apart from a very successful tennis player, Serena is much more. The 39-year old American is also a successful businesswoman and investor. She married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and is the mother to three-year-old Olympia. Mouratoglou believes the fact that he doesn’t interfere in Serena’s affairs beyond his role as a coach is another key to their successful partnership.

“Not at all,” the Frenchman said when asked if he is involved in any of Serena’s businesses. I don’t want interference in my work with her, so I don’t interfere with other people’s work. I know the job of agent but I no longer practice it.”

Mouratoglou is prepared for life after the retirement of Serena Williams

Patrick Mouratoglou during a match

Digging deep in tennis, Patrick Mouratoglou has established a state-of-the-art residential tennis academy in France. The likes of top players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Coco Gauff often train there. Last season Mouratoglou also debuted the Ultimate Tennis Showdown. It is an innovative tennis format aimed at younger audiences. So it comes as no surprise that the Frenchman is prepared for life after the retirement of Serena Williams, who will turn 40 later this year.

“No, not too much,” Mouratoglou responded when asked if he thinks about the post-Serena era.” But I know the best things come to an end. It doesn’t traumatize me,” he added.

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The 50-year-old then went on to explain the difference between his role as the coach of Serena Williams and a mentor to other players such as Tsitsipas.

“The coach takes 100% of the responsibilities,” Mouratoglou said. “So with Serena Williams, I control all the athlete, the others (doctors, physiotherapist, food, etc.), training, etc. Even part of her family life as it can impact her. I created a relationship that allows that. As a mentor, with Stefanos Tsitsipas for example, I intervene when I deem it necessary and I am available if needed. But I am not responsible for his results since he has a coach,” he concluded.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal Museum acknowledges Serena Williams for her generous contribution