Simona Halep has given a ringing endorsement of Patrick Mouratoglou's abilities as a coach, saying that working with him was the best thing that could have happened to her.
Mouratoglou became Halep's coach in April. The Frenchman is known for his highly successful period with the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams from 2012 until leaving after nearly ten years with the American.
Williams won ten Grand Slam titles while working with Mouratoglou. She also secured an Olympic gold medal in singles in 2012 and obtained three WTA Finals crowns with the Frenchman.
That meant expectations were high when Mouratoglou became Halep's coach. The Romanian's results did not improve during the clay-court season, leading to some of the two-time Grand Slam champion's fans questioning Mouratoglou.
However, her fortunes changed during the grass-court season. Halep reached the semifinals of the Birmingham Classic, Bad Homburg Open, and the Wimbledon Championships, playing much better tennis in those tournaments.
Not reaching the final of any of those events was undoubtedly frustrating, but her improved level was promising. Halep credits Mouratoglou for rediscovering her level and her love of tennis.
“All his experience and all his advice are amazing. So, I’m enjoying a lot this period. He brought me back to love tennis, to love working, which never happened before. Now, I’m just giving my best every day."
Halep refused to compare Mouratoglou to her previous coach. But she did praise him for his energy and kindness, saying that working with someone who has that personality means a lot to her.
“I will not compare [them] because they are super different. What I can say in this moment, it’s the best thing that could happen to me, to meet Patrick. He has super energy. He’s super kind. So, it means a lot for me to work with people like this."