Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of former WTA No. 1 Serena Williams has claimed that nobody, not even his ardent supporters were expecting Swiss superstar Roger Federer to win the 2017 Australian Open.
Federer, arguably the greatest player of all time, struggled with a knee injury in 2016 and was forced to end his season after losing to Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semis. However, when the former World No. 1 returned to the tour at the start of 2017, his expectations were extremely low and the best result, according to his own estimates was to progress through to the quarterfinals.
However, he hit a purple patch as soon as he landed in Australia and went on to surprise everyone with his dazzling display, knocking out the likes of Kei Nishikori, Stan Wawrinka and his nemesis Rafael Nadal in what turned out to be five-set epic in the final. In fact, Federer was a break down in the title clash before managing to overturn the tide in his favor to secure his 18th Grand Slam crown.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mouratoglou praised Federer’s determination and his passion for the game. “I am used to incredible things with Serena, but these guys (Federer and Nadal) have really done something incredible and no one expected (this). Especially with Roger, because Roger had been trying for so long to win a Grand Slam. Everybody thought he was too old, this could never happen. That’s one of the most incredible things I have seen.”
Mouratoglou also spoke about Marion Bartoli’s recent decision to come out of retirement as he said: “It depends on what you mean by coming back. Back yes, but at what level? If it’s back top 100, I think it’s possible. Win a Grand Slam, it’s not the same story. In any case, you have to go step by step. She will see at each step what it requires. It’s not that she’s not brave, everyone knows she is. But, as she travels, she will have more and more elements to know if it is possible or not. After, I am a fervent supporter of those who set goals and who work. With that, we can go far. Her career shows it.”
