How Serena Williams’ Coach Helped Victoria Azarenka to Rekindle Her Career

Two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka recently won the Cincinnati Masters. Now, she is all set to face Serena Williams in the semifinals of US Open 2020.

The world is witnessing a new Azarenka who is technically superior and hungry for more and more titles. Her last Grand Slam title came in 2013 when she won the Australian Open. What has led to this shocking transition?

Azarenka has struggled with different injuries throughout the course of her career. But, it was Patrick Mouratoglou’s (Serena Williams’ head coach) academy which did wonders for her. She joined their intensive training camp in Boca Raton, Florida, during last year’s pre-season and since then, it looks like she has been reborn.

A press release by the Mouratoglou Academy has revealed that she experienced self-complacency during her training in the academy. She also felt assertive in her preparation.

All this not only helped her to be physically but also mentally fit. She participated in team activities such as a giant scavenger hunt and karaoke night where she sang duets with Coco Gauff and Serena Williams herself.

Also Read: Victoria Azarenka confident to win against Serena Williams

Victoria Azarenka and the new training structure

Along with the support of Academy’s Team Director Kerei Abakar, Patrick Mouratoglou added the experience and agility of two experienced coaches namely Francis Bougy and Dorian Descloix in Victoria’s team.

Bougy’s main role was to work on the physique of Victoria and help her bring her body back to shape. He joined her team in February 2020 and worked upon her fitness and physical strength throughout the pandemic. The hard work of the pair yielded some positive results as Victoria won the Cincinnati Masters.

Dorian Descloix also joined Victoria’s team in February 2020. Although he had not coached anyone professionally before, Patrick trusted his abilities. He knew that he would be the ideal choice for the head coach. The pair also accomplished fair heights in a limited span of time and Descloix now serves as the full-time coach of Azarenka.

Victoria has already booked a place in the semis of US Open 2020 by defeating Elise Mertens in straight sets, displaying exemplary dominance. She has already been in 2 US Open finals before, losing to her arch-rival Serena both the times.

It’s not a stretch to say that Patrick Mouratoglou will be happy regardless of tonight’s result.

Read more: Victoria Azarenka v Serena Williams-Predictions and Head to Head