During her three-decade-long competitive journey, Serena Williams won numerous accolades in the women’s circuit owing to her commanding performances. In addition to her remarkable prowess, it was the legendary coach, Patrick Mouratoglou who played an instrumental role in the establishment of her legacy on the court. For almost a decade, the former tennis ace marked a number of triumphs with the French coach on her side. It all started back in 2012 when the ‘Queen of the Court’ joined hands with the 53-year-old after her shocking defeat at the French Open.

Mouratoglou was also there in Paris where he witnessed the former world No. 1 getting stunned by a wildcard participant in the very first round of the tournament. Speaking about the same, the legendary coach previously opened up about how the American tennis legend’s game was totally “unrecognizable” during her defeat at the major clay court event.

Serena Williams’ former coach was taken aback while witnessing her performance on clay

Prior to his alliance with the former tennis ace, Patrick Mouratoglou witnessed her match at the 2012 French Open where she was outclassed by the unseeded player, Virginie Razzano (4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3). In one of the excerpts from his book, The Coach, the 53-year-old revealed that he was surprised to see her defeat in the opening round of a major tournament for the first time in 47 appearances.

Mouratoglou said, “I could not recognise Serena. In terms of her game it was obvious that she did not produce the tennis she was capable of, while on a mental level she was unrecognisable. She was negative and seemed lost out on court; she was in tears at every change over and gave the impression that she had already lost and that obviously was the outcome.” [sic]

The legendary coach also said that his feelings were split between immense respect for Williams and a deep affection that he felt for her French opponent. However, a few days after his shocking defeat, the ‘Queen of the Court’ teamed up with Mouratoglou and the rest is history.

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The American tennis icon’s decision to team up with Mouratoglou turned out to be a masterstroke as she then added 10 more major titles to her bag.

Williams marked a number of triumphs under Mouratoglou’s tutelage

The former tennis player clinched her fifth, sixth and seventh Wimbledon Championship titles under the French coach’s tutelage. Even at her home Grand Slam event, Williams marked three triumphs with Mouratoglou on her side.

During the alliance, the 41-year-old tennis legend also won her second and third French Open titles. In addition to these accolades, she also clinched two Australian Open titles and the Olympic gold medal, under the legendary coach.

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What do you think of the American tennis legend’s decision to team up with Mouratoglou? Let us know in the comments!