Many tennis players who turn professional can play well and win tournaments. However, only a few players possess the mind of a champion. An extreme competitive drive with desperation to be at the top, along with many more qualities are needed to be a champion. Patrick Mouratoglou discovered another quality needed to be at the top through his time with none other than Serena Williams.
Mouratoglou and Williams worked together for close to a decade. The French coach and the younger Williams sister achieved quite a bit during their time together. They also managed to create several records which are still standing strong.
Patrick Mouratoglou discovered a new quality through Serena Williams
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The French coach and Serena Williams linked up in 2012 and would go on to smash several records in the sport. Breaking grand slam wins of Steffi Graf would equal Graf’s records of weeks at number 1. Spending this much time with her, Mouratoglou said he learned a lot from Williams. In a recent interview with Vogue, he spoke about the mindset of champions.
For him, he stated that one needs to believe in themselves to the extent to which they can say they refuse to lose. While respecting an opponent is good, too much respect can affect the competitive spirit. He gave the example of an Andy Murray match where he lost two sets consecutively to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after being up by two sets.
In the fifth match, he saw the spirit of the Briton who would have a comeback of his own. Following the explanation, he said, “Working with Serena taught me a lot about this. She literally refused to lose. This mindset of the big champions makes such a big difference—they just find ways to win.”
He was already an established coach, and Williams was already in the prime of her life. When the two teamed up, the WTA world was set on fire like never before. The two did encounter some hiccups, but they eventually overcame everything that came between them and glory.
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How Williams’ ex-coach helped her get back on track
In an interview with David LaRoche, Mouratoglou talked about the time Williams was suffering due to inconsistency. In 2015 Williams lost the US Open semifinal, which left her inconsolable. She would then go on to lose the Australian Open in the finals. The French coach had to find a way to get her back on track. He reminded her of her achievements to motivate her in time for the French Open final, which she would lose.
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However, she brought back her original mindset and won the Wimbledon and the US Open. Regardless of what anyone says, the two have clearly had an immense impact on each other.