Renowned French coach Patrick Mouratoglou has expressed caution over Novak Djokovic’s new partnership with Andre Agassi during an exclusive interview with Ubitennis.
Earlier this month the world No.2 confirmed that he will start a high-profile trial with Agassi during the French Open. Agassi, who had won eight grand slam titles during his career, had previously never coached a big name player on the ATP Tour.
“Obviously it’s good for tennis because he is a big figure of tennis. He is somebody that is important to the sport, so it is great to have him around.” Mouratoglou said about Agassi.
“I think on paper, it (the collaboration) looks good because I think Agassi’s game fits well with what Novak can do well.”
Mouratoglou’s support for the new stage in Djokovic’s career is one that comes with a caution. The Frenchman is regarded as one of most established coaches in the world of tennis. Prior to his work with 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams, he has also mentored Grigor Dimitrov, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Marcos Baghdatis.
At Roland Garros, Agassi will not be with Djokovic throughout the full two weeks due to other commitments. Whist the partnership is still in its early stages, the French coach has already warned that both parties must invest their time to make it a successful collaboration.
“This is not going to work if he is not going to invest in Novak.” He said. “Novak is going to invest in him, but he has to invest in Novak back.’
‘I think one of the reasons why Boris (Becker) had success with Novak was because he took it very seriously.”
Agassi is the latest in a series of ‘super coaches’ featuring on a tour with the likes of Becker, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe and Carlos Moya. Their route into coaching is somewhat different to that of Mouratoglou, who has over 20 years experience. Some coaches may be jealous of the presence of the former champions taking their jobs, but the 46-year-old is not intimidated.
“There is not one way to become a coach. One way is to study, another is to be as former champion and you get a job. It’s not about having the job. It’s about doing the job and having results. Whoever you are, if you don’t achieve the results you’re not going to get a job next time.” He explained.
Serena’s likely return
Currently Mouratoglou finds himself focusing on working at his academy and other business ventures due to Serena Williams’ pregnancy. At the age of 35, some are questioning if she will return to the tour. Speaking about her absence, he recounts the moment he found out about her pregnancy. At that moment there was no doubt in Williams’ mind. She intends to return to the tour and Mouratoglou will be there to guide her.
“I would say 99% yes.” He responded when asked about if Williams will return. “When she called me to announce that she was pregnant, the first sentence was ‘I am pregnant’, but in the same sentence she said ‘I want to be back.’”
During the pregnancy, Mouratoglou confirmed that he has no desire to work with another player, a sign of the close bond between the two. Vowing to ‘wait for her,’ he has already guided Williams to a total of ten grand slam titles.
“I do something 100% or I don’t.” He concluded.
