‘Don’t Underestimate Me’ – Serena Williams’ Stern Warning Once to Ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou When He Made an Untimely Joke on Her Condition

Recently retired American tennis legend, Serena Williams, is truly an inspirational figure. Apart from her long list of achievements, her fighting spirit makes her even more inspirational. Over the years, Serena overcame various challenges to keep competing in top-level tennis. At an early age, it was the lack of facilities and financial challenges. Later, her health was an issue too.

Back in 2017, a new challenge arose when Serena decided to play in the Australian Open during pregnancy. The way she managed herself and dominantly won the tournament is a different-level accomplishment from the American tennis star. However, now the challenge for her was to keep herself as fit as possible. However, with pregnancy for the first time, her coach Mouratoglou had little idea of how her body will change. Serena, however, was confident in herself.

When Serena Williams told her coach, “Don’t underestimate me”

Coach Patrick Mouratoglou was the man responsible for planning out Serena’s practice regime during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, he still was not sure if it will work out. The Frenchman believed that anything might happen. However, Serena had full confidence that she will come back roaring. Here’s what Mouratoglou said at that time, “We agreed that she would go on hitting through it and do some fitness in order to have the least work possible to do after the birth in order to come back to a decent level and start working. But still, it’s something new for her and we don’t know how her body is going to react,” he said.

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Serena wanted to return by September and Mouratoglou had plans for it. Recalling his conversation with the former world number one, he said, “She told me I need a sparring partner for September. And I answered, Listen, if some guy throws you a ball with the hand in September, I think it’ll be fine. Her answer: Don’t underestimate me.” Serena had a complicated childbirth and the next year she returned to competitive tennis.

Serena liked the positive attention she got during pregnancy

Pregnancy is always a challenging and tough time for a woman. However, in Serena’s case, she claims that she enjoyed it. Over the years as a tennis player, she has faced a lot of negativity from the press and critics.

Contrastingly, at the time of pregnancy, she was getting all the attention in a positive way, which she claims made her like the pregnancy period. Further, the 23-time Grand Slam champion said that she enjoyed sitting at home and keeping herself healthy for the baby.

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Serena not only returned after pregnancy, but she also had a remarkable run. As a mother, the 41-year-old has made it to the Grand Slam finals four times. While it shows how good she still was, it would have been even better if she could win another Major title after that.