In a startlingly candid revelation, Patrick Mouratoglou, the long-time coach of tennis icon Serena Williams, has pulled back the curtain on the immense physical and emotional struggles she faced following the birth of her daughter, Olympia.
Mouratoglou, in an exclusive interview, detailed the "fights" and profound challenges that defined her comeback, painting a picture of a champion battling against her own body and the immense pressure to return to the top.
The Physical Battle: A Race Against Time
The French coach disclosed that one of the most significant hurdles was Williams' post-pregnancy weight. The journey back to elite athletic fitness was far more gruelling than anyone had anticipated. Mouratoglou confessed to moments of intense frustration, admitting there were explosive arguments between them as he pushed her through punishing training regimens.
"We had some fights... It was complicated," he revealed, highlighting the immense pressure both were under to see her return to championship form.
A Shocking Medical Revelation
Perhaps the most shocking disclosure from Mouratoglou concerns the medication Williams was taking. He stated that the former World No. 1 was on a "very heavy treatment" following a complicated emergency caesarean section.
This treatment, he claimed, severely hampered her ability to lose weight and regain her physical condition, adding a devastating and unforeseen layer of difficulty to her comeback journey. This revelation provides a startling new context for her tearful exit from the 2018 Australian Open, where she was defeated in the first round.
The Emotional Toll of a Comeback
Beyond the physical struggles, Mouratoglou spoke of the deep emotional and psychological toll. The expectation for Serena to immediately dominate again was overwhelming. The frustration of not seeing her body respond as it once did led to tension and those now-revealed heated exchanges between player and coach.
This raw account from her closest confidant in tennis offers an unprecedented glimpse into the reality behind the glamour of a sporting comeback, showcasing the vulnerability, determination, and immense strength of one of the greatest athletes of all time.
