I remember clearly the first time I met you, @CocoGauff . You were just 10 years old and came to participate into the test weeks to be part of @MouratoglouAcad. From the start, I knew that you would have a fantastic career. 1/5
Youngster Coco Gauff looked Patrick Mouratoglou impressively in the eye to get on board his Academy
Tennis NewsSunday, 17 September 2023 at 17:00
Patrick Mouratoglou recently recalled when he conducted an interview with 10-year-old Coco Gauff for a training program, saying she displayed strong potential even back then.
Well-known tennis coach Mouratoglou has worked with some of the most successful tennis players of recent years, the most notable of which was 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. The American tennis legend achieved ten of her major titles and an Olympic gold medal while working with him.
However, the Frenchman has also worked with 19-year-old Gauff throughout her career, most recently at the French Open. Since then, the American has gone on to be the star of the summer, winning both the WTA 500 DC Open and WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open titles on the North American swing before lifting her first-ever Grand Slam trophy at the US Open last week.
Mouratoglou recalls Gauff's tennis talent as "impressive"
In an interview with CNN, Mouratoglou recalled the day that a young Gauff came to his academy to try out for a training program.
"She came to my tennis academy to do tests and see if she could get into the program, and she was quite impressive. We do these training programs, physical tests, matches, one-on-one interviews in the office, where I want to feel their drive and the belief they have in themselves.
"Her interview probably impressed me the most. At times, she was looking at me in the eyes. I was asking tough questions," he said.
The 53-year-old added that while a lot of players say they want to reach the pinnacle of the sport, he was impressed with Gauff's belief in herself to actually do so.
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"A lot of players say they wanna be No. 1 but do they really believe it? Do they really understand what it takes? Because to reach the top of the game is really difficult, there are lots of ups and downs and most of them don't believe in themselves. But there, Coco Gauff impressed me the most," he continued.
A lot of Gauff's recent success can also be attributed to her new coach Brad Gilbert, whom she teamed up with in early August. The young tennis star is now ranked at No. 3 in the world and has overtaken her doubles partner Jessica Pegula as the American No. 1.
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