Patrick Mouratoglou and Serena Williams formed one of the most successful player-coach duos in tennis history, winning 10 Grand Slam titles together. Their collaboration was marked by trust, intensity, and a shared pursuit of greatness. But as Mouratoglou recently revealed, their journey also included difficult conversations—particularly around Serena’s fitness after her pregnancy in 2017.
The challenge of returning after childbirth
After giving birth to her daughter, Williams faced the physical demands of returning to elite competition. Mouratoglou admitted that he advised her to lose weight—not for aesthetic reasons, but to protect her mobility and reduce injury risk. “In Serena’s case, she was older, so of course the body is not going to bounce back the same as before,” he explained. The coach emphasized that tennis requires explosive movement and agility, and even small changes in weight can affect performance.
Misunderstandings and emotional reactions
Mouratoglou acknowledged that his advice was not always well received. “We had a few fights about it,” he said. “She thought I was judging her, but I kept telling her, I don’t care about your look. My job is your tennis.” The tension stemmed from the emotional complexity of discussing body image and physical readiness, especially in the context of a high-profile comeback. Despite the disagreements, Mouratoglou maintained that his intentions were rooted in professional concern.
The razor-thin margins of elite sport
The coach highlighted how elite tennis demands precision in every aspect, including physical conditioning. “Even one kilo overweight is a lot,” he noted, pointing to the strain on joints and the impact on speed and recovery. Mouratoglou’s comments shed light on the unforgiving nature of top-level competition, where every detail can influence the outcome of a match.
No regrets, but reflections on what could have been
Looking back, Mouratoglou said he has no regrets about their partnership, but admitted that results might have been different had Serena returned in peak physical form. Despite reaching multiple Grand Slam finals after her comeback, she never added a 24th major title. Still, their legacy remains one of dominance, resilience, and mutual respect—even through moments of conflict.
Patrick Mouratoglou’s candid reflections reveal the complexities behind coaching one of the greatest athletes of all time. His experience with Serena Williams underscores the balance between honesty and empathy, and the challenges of navigating personal and professional boundaries. Their story is a reminder that greatness often involves difficult conversations, and that success is built not just on talent, but on trust and perseverance.