Serena Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, was at the centre of a rather strong controversy when he was caught coaching the American during the (in)famous US Open final against Naomi Osaka. Eventually, that episode made things going south for Serena that lost the match. Patrick never backed off from the idea that coaching from the stands should be allowed for various reasons. First, there is nothing “bad” in it. Second, everyone does it, and there is no uniformity in sanctioning it during the match. The WTA will allow the coaching on a trial basis in February
Mouratoglou’s tweet
Patrick posted: “Amazing news. Congratulations to the WTA for once again being ahead of the game. I hope ATP will be next. Great to hear @DjokerNole support on court coaching yesterday on @espn.”
the WTA told ESPN.com: “The new trial will allow coaches to coach their player in the form they are currently coaching from the box without getting penalized. Whether it’s verbal words of encouragement or [a] few words when their player is on the same side of the court to any hand signals, such coaching as it takes place now from the box will be allowed.”
Serena Williams’s ranking and performance in 2020
Currently ranked no.9, Serena played her last match on the 24th of January when she was overcome by Qiang Wang 6-4 6-72 7-5 in the 3rd round in Australian Open.
At the moment, this season the American has a 7-1 win-loss record. Serena clinched 1 title in Auckland.
Cori Gauff’s ranking and performance in 2020
Now the world no.67, Cori played her last match on the 26th of January when she lost to Sofia Kenin 6-75 6-3 6-0 in the 4th round in the Australian Open.
Serena Williams and Cori Gauff have never played each other.
