‘I Had Panic Attacks’ – Serena Williams’ Former Coach Opens Up on a Deeply ‘Anxious’ and Nightmarish Time

Everyone who follows tennis is well aware of the absolute dominance that tennis legend Serena Williams used to bring on the court. It is safe to say that her ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou had a lot to do with Williams’ on-court success for the better part of a decade. However, success comes at a cost, even for coaches who watch the action from the sidelines. In a recent series of interviews, coach Mouratoglou dug deeper into his personal life and his struggles with issues around mental health.

Mouratoglou has been a well-respected figure in the tennis circuit. It paves the way for other young coaches to open up about important topics after seeing someone of his stature be candid about mental health issues. The story that he told will certainly interest a few people in the tennis realm and beyond.

Mouratoglou uncovers his turbulent youth

Mental health challenges often linger beneath the surface, affecting even the most revered figures in the sport. BRUT’s intriguing Instagram series, ‘My Failures,’ recently featured a candid tête-à-tête with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Delving into his personal history, the series uncovered a side of Mouratoglou that was never seen before.

Mouratoglou describes his youth as nothing short of a nightmare. The context surrounding this revelation is crucial, considering the persistent issue of mental health among athletes. Particularly in the high-stakes sport of professional tennis.

In a strikingly honest admission, Mouratoglou said: “My youth was a nightmare. It was not at all about the money; it’s just that I had no confidence, I was unable to connect to people, I was alone all the time.” The rawness of his words perfectly showcased the vulnerability seldom seen in figures of his stature. The admission continued with him sharing the depths of his struggles. He stated: “I was sick. I was so anxious that I couldn’t sleep at night. I had panic attacks.”

Mouratoglou’s confession is a snapshot of the challenges he came across. His words resonate with the weight of his past. It all provides quite a stark contrast to the composed exterior he presents to the world. It’s interesting to know that despite all these challenges he still gave his all to bring talents like Williams on the top. 

Mouratoglou – a turning point for Serena Williams 

Even champions like Williams face moments of vulnerability. The 2012 French Open marked a rare stumble for the tennis icon. Williams suffered her first-ever first-round defeat in a Grand Slam tournament. This prompted Williams to seek the expert assistance from an unexpected source. 

READ MORE: Patrick Mouratoglou Issues Stern Warning Over Concerning Tennis Problem With a Grim Reality Check – ‘Going to Fade Away..’

Mouratoglou’s coaching proved quite transformative for the American champ. Their training together propelled Williams from a momentary setback to a triumphant comeback. This collaboration bore fruit as Williams concluded the season with a resounding victory at Wimbledon. Over the next two years, their partnership blossomed into a formidable force. She went on to secure three additional Grand Slam titles.

Mouratoglou’s impact not only revived Williams’ career but also paved the way for her dominance of the WTA Tour for a decade. The French coach’s account of his younger days makes it evident that this disclosure is a testament to resilience. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

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