Serena Williams’ ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou says the American legend ‘really liked’ Andy Murray and can teach Emma Raducanu a lesson or two.
Williams, who was coached by Mouratoglou for a decade, is widely regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time and won an incredible 23 major titles.
She finally retired from the sport in September 2022 and teamed up with her old transatlantic friend Murray for the Wimbledon mixed doubles back in 2019.
Murray was meant to be playing mixed doubles with Raducanu at this year’s Championships but she pulled out on the same day as their first match, a controversial call which drew criticism and robbed Murray of one last send-off.
With Murray now not featuring in the mixed doubles in his last Wimbledon before retirement, and looking set to never play in SW19 again, Metro.co.uk has asked Mouratoglou to reflect on the British legend’s iconic partnership with Williams.
‘They have so much respect for each other, Serena and Andy,’ Mouratoglou said. ‘They really like each other. Serena always liked the fact he was so loud about women and a great supporter for women.
‘Serena was never playing mixed doubles. She was playing singles and women’s doubles. But she decided to play mixed because it was him.
‘During a match to be able to exchange with such a champion – and this is true both ways – and see how he processes, what he thinks, what he’d like to do in the next point… and for her to share also with him… I think those things are very exciting.
‘Every champion wants to see inside the mind of another champion. It fits them also. That was the most exciting thing and you could see them enjoy it so much.
‘Their joy was translated to the crowd. When people bond on the court and there is this kind of chemistry, it is super exciting to watch.’
Murray famously corrected a journalist at Wimbledon 2017 after the reporter said Sam Querrey was ‘the first US player to reach a major semi-final since 2009′.
The former world No.1 reminded the reporter that he was only talking about male players, with far more success for the US on the female side of the sport, thanks to the likes of the Williams sisters.
Coco Gauff referenced that moment at this year’s Championships, hailing Murray as a gender equality icon.
Meanwhile, Williams herself sent an emotional message to Murray this week and said: ‘I had the pleasure of playing mixed doubles with you at Wimbledon, was one of the highlights of my life.
‘You have a special place in my heart. You always speak out so much for women and everything women deserve. You were the leader in that.’
Mouratoglou believes Williams can teach a thing or two to Raducanu, especially when it comes to her mindset on the court.
‘There is a lot to take, of course,’ Mouratoglou told Metro.co.uk. ‘Game-wise for sure but also her mindset. Her career is not because of her shots, it’s because of her mindset.
‘The way she processes her confidence. The matches were so sacred for her. If you put her in a match, whoever is on the other side, she gave 120 per cent.
‘Even at the end of her career, she was still as emotional before going to a match as the first match in her life. It was so important to her.
‘I always say, you don’t win a Grand Slam with your shots, you win it with your heart. You win it with your mindset and your personality. That is the most important thing.
‘Serena, always until the very end of her career, wanted to improve. This is also part of the mindset in a way. Emma can improve her game, of course, and when you get things from Serena in terms of mindset, it makes a big difference.’
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