The always outspoken coach of Serena Williams is in the news once again. This time, firebrand Patrick Mouratoglou has given his thoughts on everything from the up and down coaching choices of Andy Murray to his positive outlook on Williams' future on the court. But it was his comments on the recent troubles of Maria Sharapova that got the most attention.
No empathy for Maria
When pressed recently for his reaction to Sharapova being suspended for two years from professional play, the French coach didn't miss any words. He was short and to the point, signaling a complete lack of empathy for the Russian player.
"I don't feel sorry for someone who doesn't respect the rules," Mouratoglou told the Radio Times.
In Mouratoglou's mind, it doesn't come down to whether Sharapova intentionally broke the rules or not. The positive test, in his view, comes from a lapse of professionalism, saying "It's a professional mistake...and you have to pay for your mistakes."
Both Williams and Sharapova have been entangled by repeated claims of a rivalry that extends far beyond the tennis court. This will do nothing to calm those flames.
Too much machismo
Elsewhere, Mouratoglou expanded on his belief that Andy Murray's decision to hire famed tennis legend Amelie Mauresmo was "strange.'
Refusing to call the hiring of his countrywoman a mistake, Mouratoglou explained that he believes women have a lack of understanding about the men's game. He also said that some would struggle would, as he puts it, struggle with the "very macho world" of a men's locker room.
That aside, Mouratoglou was factually correct in pointing out that Murray had failed to win any grand slam titles during his partnership with Mauresmo.