Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou has revealed that he knew Coco Gauff would become one of the world’s best tennis players when she was just ten years old. The coach was full of praise for the young American, who he believes is the “complete package,” after their first meeting almost a decade ago.
Mouratoglou is one of tennis’ most famous and successful coaches who has helped some of the biggest names in the sport over the years. The Frenchman coached players including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Laura Robson and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
His most successful spell came from 2012 to 2022, when he guided Serena Williams through one of the most dominant periods of her career. During her time working with Mouratoglou, she won two Australian Open titles, three US Open titles and three Wimbledon wins.
Having witnessed some of the biggest moments in tennis history, it comes as no surprise that Mouratoglou spotted Coco Gauff’s potential from a young age. The coach recently recalled a meeting between the pair when the tennis sensation was just ten years old which saw him predict she would become a superstar.
“I felt that she was someone so driven, so much confidence in her ability and that wanted it so much that I felt she had the complete package to reach the top of the game,” he said in an interview with CNN. “When she left the office, I told the guys: ‘This one, we take her with us and she can be great’.”
Gauff then joined the coach’s Mouratoglou Academy in the French Riviera where she made an instant impression. “The fitness test was incredible for her age,” he added.
“Her competitiveness when it came to playing matches against other players was impressive. She was able to beat players that were technically better than her because of her competitiveness.”
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“She has learned to deal with [the pressure] at a young age, and that explains partly her ability to win her first grand slam final at only 19 years old,” Mouratoglou added.
The French coach’s instinct was clearly right with Gauff having since taken the tennis world by storm. The 19-year-old already has six career titles to her name, including a recent Grand Slam win at this year’s US Open.
Gauff will be looking to add to her list of achievements at the China Open on Oct. 2 where she will face Ekaterina Alexandrova in the opening round of 64.
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