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Serena Williams French Open 2020
Roland Garros, Serena Williams, Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

‘It’s still all about Serena Williams,’ says coach ahead of French Open


Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou claims he is not concerned about her form heading into Roland Garros despite preparations not going as planned. 

Williams, who has gone four years without winning a Slam as she chases the elusive 24 Grand Slam titles achieved by Margaret Court, has suffered early round exits in both Rome and Parma.

The 39-year-old lost to Nadia Podoroska in her opener in Rome last week before another early exit against Katerina Siniakova at the Emilia-Romagna Open in Parma.

However, despite preparations not going according to plan for the three-time French Open champion, Mouratoglou claims he is not concerned.

“I think she lost because she was not ready,” Mouratoglou told Sky Sports.

“I don’t know, but maybe it was not a good idea to go and play in Parma after losing in Rome because her match in Rome showed a lot of things that still needed to be worked on to be able to compete at the highest level.

“I think it’s always interesting to play matches because it gives you a clear vision of where you are, so that was good in that way because we know what she still needs to accomplish in order to be ready for Roland Garros.

“I’m not worried in general because if she does the job she will be ready. It’s just about doing the job.

“I’ve always said regarding Serena that it’s all about her and it’s still all about her.”

Mouratoglou, who has been in Serena Williams’ camp since 2012, referenced this year’s Australian Open as a prime example of how Williams can play herself into form on the biggest stage.

The Frenchman said: “When I saw her before the Australian Open for preparation, I thought ‘wow’ – a lot of work to get ready. But in a short period of time she was able to really hit great form. It didn’t take her too much time to get ready.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.