Serena Williams coach Patrick Mouratoglou has given a candid interview with Italian website La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 45-year-old, who has also worked Jeremy Chardy, Grigor Dimitrov and Laura Robson during his career, said that he believes that the Italian men are more talented than women. When asked about the difference between the two genders, the Frenchman said the men are being surpassed by their female counterparts due to their stronger mentality.
“Mentality, only mentality. Personally, I think the guys (Fognini, Seppi, Bolelli…) have a talent, even higher than that of girls. Yet girls are the stars at the highest levels. It is not a criticism, just an observation. I think the same of the French players , so to speak” He said.
Currently there are five Italian men ranked insides the top 100, with the highest being Andreas Seppi at 31. On the WTA Tour there are also five women ranked inside the top 100 but at a higher level with two in the top 20. Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci created history earlier this month by playing in the first all Italian Grand Slam final.
Mouratogolou, who is currently at the Milan fashion week, also spoke about Serena Williams disappointment at the US Open. The world No.1 had been on course to become the first woman since 1988 to win all four Grand Slams within the same year before her shock loss to Flavia Pennetta in the semi-final. Admitting that Williams made tactical errors during the US Open, the Frenchman believes that she will come back strong in 2016 and take the five most prestigious titles.
“I am sure that she will achieve it in 2016 and also win the gold medal in Rio. After all, she has already won four consecutive Slam’s albeit not in the same year, so she knows how. She is a champion and knows how to avenge defeat”. He said.
“She is a born winner, never satisfied.I remember that after the victory at Roland Garros , she still had the cup in her hand from the award ceremony, she looked at me and told me ‘ Come on , I do stretching. You have to think about winning Wimbledon‘. He recounter.
Williams will return to action at the China Open in October.
