In any sport, going from good to great takes more than talent—it takes a relentless work ethic and a coach who knows how to push an athlete past their limits. In tennis, few coaches have earned the reputation of taking top players to the next level quite like Patrick Mouratoglou. While the sport has plenty of renowned names, his track record with champions like Serena Williams speaks for itself.
What sets Mouratoglou apart is that his coaching doesn’t stop at the baseline. He hones every off-court element that gives players an edge, from optimizing recovery and sharpening mental focus to fine-tuning the small, often overlooked details that turn great athletes into champions.
“The coach also plays an important role,” he says. “You have to know your players’ psychology—what drives them and how they respond. As an example, a coach should challenge their player, [which] can reinforce their motivation.”
Why Recovery and Mental Focus Are Non-Negotiable for Elite Players
Beyond understanding what drives a player, Mouratoglou says recovery is one of the most critical elements he can add to their routine—especially for athletes who rarely slow down (after all, they didn’t reach the top by sitting still). He emphasizes that for real progress to manifest, rest is just as important for the mind as it is for the body.
“Recovery is a very important component when it comes to building champions,” he says. “The body needs it, and the mind needs it just as much. We saw last year with Carlos Alcaraz—he came into the US swing exhausted and couldn’t perform at his best. This year, he adjusted, skipped Toronto, gave himself more rest, and arrived much fresher.”
Related: What the World’s Top Tennis Coach Says Separates Champions From the Rest
Precision, Preparation, and Tech in Elite Tennis
Mouratoglou also stresses that success is in the details. Just as NFL and NBA players break down game tape, tennis players and their coaches analyze every swing, serve, and movement to gain an edge.
“For me, coaching at the highest level is about precision, preparation, and performance, and technology plays a big role in making that possible,” he says.
As part of Motorola’s new campaign, Icons Behind the Icons, Mouratoglou has integrated the AI-powered Razr Ultra into his coaching workflow. The device allows him to elevate training without adding extra gear or complexity.
“I use it to review match footage, capture training sessions, and share tactical breakdowns on the spot,” he says. “The Flex View mode is especially useful—I can set it up hands-free, record, and immediately analyze everything, no extra equipment required.”
Whether it’s helping players dial in on recovery or tweak their form, Mouratoglou leverages every tool available to keep his players performing at the highest level.
