July 9th 2024.
In 2019, tennis fans were treated to a rare and exciting sight as Serena Williams, one of the greatest players of all time, teamed up with Andy Murray for the Wimbledon mixed doubles. This unexpected partnership was a result of Williams' retirement from the sport in 2022, and her desire to team up with her friend and fellow champion one last time.
Williams' former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, recently spoke about the iconic partnership, revealing that Williams had a great admiration for Murray and his support for women in the sport. This was evident in Williams' decision to play mixed doubles, despite typically only playing singles and women's doubles.
The two champions had a deep respect and fondness for each other, which was evident in their on-court chemistry and the way they communicated during matches. For Mouratoglou, this was the most exciting aspect of their partnership - the opportunity for two champions to see inside the mind of another and share their thoughts and strategies.
Murray, known for his vocal support of women in tennis, famously corrected a journalist at Wimbledon in 2017 who had forgotten about the success of American female players, including the Williams sisters. This moment was referenced by young star Coco Gauff at this year's Championships, highlighting Murray's role as a gender equality icon.
In a touching message to Murray, Williams expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play mixed doubles with him and praised his advocacy for women in the sport. Mouratoglou believes that Williams' mindset on the court is something that young players like Emma Raducanu can learn from, as it played a significant role in her success throughout her career.
He emphasized the importance of mindset and personality in winning Grand Slam titles, and how Williams always approached matches with 120% effort, regardless of her opponent. Even towards the end of her career, Williams remained dedicated to improving her game and never lost her passion for competition.
For Mouratoglou, the lessons that Williams can teach Raducanu extend beyond just technical skills and can greatly impact her mindset and approach to the sport. As Raducanu continues to rise in the tennis world, there is no doubt that she can learn a thing or two from the iconic partnership of Williams and Murray.
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