Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned tennis coach who guided Serena Williams through some of the most successful years of her illustrious career, recently opened up about the unique dynamics of their first practice session. According to Mouratoglou, it was a moment that set the tone for their relationship, filled with mutual respect and understanding, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
The Meeting of Two Titans
Serena Williams is a name synonymous with dominance, power, and an indomitable will to win. When she first approached Mouratoglou to become her coach in 2012, she was already a global icon, but one in need of a resurgence after a challenging period. Mouratoglou, known for his strategic mind and ability to bring out the best in his players, saw this as an opportunity to make history with one of the greatest athletes of all time.
However, Mouratoglou quickly realized that coaching a player of Serena’s stature would be unlike any other experience. During their first practice session, he recalls Serena attempting to assert her dominance in a rather unexpected way.
The Intimidation Attempt
In an interview, Mouratoglou shared that Serena tried to intimidate him from the very beginning. “She was trying to intimidate me,” Mouratoglou said, recounting how Serena, with her fierce competitive spirit, wanted to establish control early on. The coach recognized this as a test, a way for Serena to gauge how much respect and authority he would command in their partnership.
But Mouratoglou was not one to be easily rattled. He knew that to coach Serena effectively, he needed to earn her respect and trust by showing that he wouldn’t back down from a challenge. That’s when he decided to make a bold move.
The Lesson: Hitting Her Cap
During the session, Mouratoglou intentionally hit Serena’s cap with a ball—a subtle yet powerful statement that he wasn’t intimidated by her presence. “I hit her cap,” Mouratoglou explained. “It was my way of showing that I wouldn’t be overawed, that I was there to push her to be her best, even if it meant challenging her.”
This act, though seemingly minor, was a turning point. It communicated to Serena that Mouratoglou was not just another coach, but someone who could stand up to her and demand the excellence she was capable of. It was a moment that laid the foundation for a successful partnership that would go on to achieve numerous Grand Slam titles and cement Serena’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
A Partnership Built on Respect
The mutual respect between Mouratoglou and Serena was critical to their success. The coach pushed Serena to her limits, while Serena’s relentless drive and competitive nature inspired Mouratoglou to innovate and adapt his coaching methods. Over the years, they formed a bond that went beyond just player and coach—one built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to greatness.
Mouratoglou’s recollection of that first practice session serves as a reminder that even the greatest athletes have their own way of testing those around them. For Serena, it was about seeing whether Mouratoglou could handle the pressure of coaching someone of her caliber. For Mouratoglou, it was about proving that he was up to the task and that he wouldn’t be intimidated by the challenge.
The Legacy Continues
Today, both Serena Williams and Patrick Mouratoglou are celebrated figures in the world of tennis. Serena’s retirement marks the end of an era, but the lessons learned and the memories created during their time together will remain part of the sport’s rich history. Mouratoglou continues to coach and mentor new generations of players, but the story of how he earned Serena’s respect by “hitting her cap” will always be a testament to the unique dynamics that shaped their remarkable journey together.