In the world of professional tennis, a big controversy has been stirring up quite a fuss. At the center of it all is Patrick Mouratoglou, the well-known coach of the retired American tennis legend, Serena Williams. Tennis fans, who are known for their strong feelings about their favorite players, have been expressing their anger online.
The big question on everyone’s mind is this: Who should get the credit for Coco Gauff‘s amazing win at the 2023 US Open? While the initial answer might appear clear when we look closely at the details of this tennis controversy. Is Mouratoglou seeking fame for glory he had no part to play in, or is it perhaps this stint is a PR cover-up of his name that is being questioned due to the Simona Halep doping crisis? Fans mince no words when it comes to speculation.
Tennis fans’ outcry over credit conundrum
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Coco Gauff, the talented young tennis player, turned to Patrick Mouratoglou for advice when she stopped working with her previous coach, Diego Moyano, earlier this year. It’s worth noting that while she practiced with Mouratoglou, he was not her official coach.
After reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, Gauff hired Pere Riba as her official coach, and later, Brad Gilbert joined her coaching team. The controversy arose when Mouratoglou appeared on CNN after Gauff’s US Open win, where she was labeled as “his newest star.”
Patrick Mouratoglou is widely regarded as one of the great tennis coaches in the sport, and his newest star is none other than 19-year-old US Open champion Coco Gauff. He reflects on her rise to the top. https://t.co/N0qJvgNZir pic.twitter.com/WcQ8IQi82T
— CNN (@CNN) September 16, 2023
Tennis fans quickly expressed their frustration because they thought Patrick Mouratoglou was taking credit for something he didn’t deserve. Fans showcased their displeasure after Coco was termed as the French coach’s star.
“This guy is a fraud, he has nothing to do with Coco’s recent achievements”
This guy is a fraud, he has nothing to do with Coco’s recent achievements
— Ons (@_ons____) September 16, 2023
“He’s always trying to make everything about him. Insufferable”
He’s always trying to make everything about him. Insufferable
— VaughanLJ (@VaughanLJ) September 16, 2023
“Brad Gilbert, they’re disrespecting you, uncle Brad!!! Send Patrick a strong worded, emoji punctuated, cease and desist right now!”
@bgtennisnation they’re disrespecting you, uncle Brad!!! Send Patrick a strong worded, emoji punctuated, cease and desist right now!
— Rorisang. (@RoriMoseli) September 16, 2023
“Let me guess, Patrick Moratoglu’s PR team is working overtime to create a diversion from the Simona Halep doping case, which happened under his watch.”
Let me guess, Patrick Moratoglu’s PR team is working overtime to create a diversion from the Simona Halep doping case, which happened under his watch.
— Ty (@Studio_Ty84) September 17, 2023
“I thought Brad Gilbert was her coach”
I thought Brad Gilbert was her coach
— linda almond (@lindaalmond8) September 16, 2023
“Pere Riba is her actual coach.”
Pere Riba is her actual coach. 🇪🇸
— Paula (@pausasu15) September 16, 2023
“It’s almost as if there’s another massive story in tennis he’s connected to that he needs to distract from…”
It’s almost as if there’s another massive story in tennis he’s connected to that he needs to distract from… pic.twitter.com/CEqfJrxoNe
— Kate (@khltlooking) September 17, 2023
“He’s not a great coach; otherwise his top-ranked player wouldn’t have just received a 4-year ban for doping.”
He’s not a great coach; otherwise his top ranked player wouldn’t have just received a 4 year ban for doping.
— Cindy M (@clmorin61) September 16, 2023
“Right in time to make people forget the Simona Halep scandal… it’s not happening …”
Right in time to make people forget the Simona Halep scandal… it’s not happening …
— Adina (@Adina49119354) September 16, 2023
The name of Simona Halep and her doping crisis kept coming up in the narrative. What exactly is their connection?
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Patrick Mouratoglou and Simona Halep connection
It’s important to mention that Patrick Mouratoglou’s name came up in a long document about Simona Halep’s four-year ban for using banned substances in tennis. While this situation is separate from Coco Gauff’s success, it hasn’t gone unnoticed by keen observers.
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Coco Gauff’s incredible journey to tennis stardom is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the support of her coaching team. While Mouratoglou played a role in her journey, taking credit for her Grand Slam success has understandably upset tennis fans who believe recognition should be given where it’s deserved.
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