Serena Williams' coach says the world's No. 1 tennis player is "in a difficult phase" but insists that she is back at work in preparation for next month's U.S. Open.
Serena Williams' slience on her bizarre behavior at Wimbledon unacceptable
The Telegraph quoted France's Tennis Magazine in reporting that Patrick Mouratoglu said he's still Serena's coach, but things are "complicated" for her right now. The two reportedly were linked in a romantic relationship that ended.
"Serena is clearly going through a difficult period," Mouratoglou was reported as saying. "But after Wimbledon we had many hours of discussions and we have restarted our work.
"Today, she is in a state of mind where she wants to train hard to come back strong. At no time was there any question of our collaboration ending."
Serena Williams' early Wimbledon exit due to girls weekend out with Caroline Wozniacki?
Questions came about after a bizarre incident during a doubles match at Wimbledon involving Serena and Venus Williams.
Serena appeared impaired and woozy, unable to bounce and catch a ball during warmups. After consultation with court officials, she tried to play but double-faulted four times on her serve that she couldn't even get over the net.
The Williams sisters then forfeited the second-round match against Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegele. Wimbledon officials said Serena behavior was the result of viral infection, but Mourtaglou said at the time he hadn't heard from Serena in two days.
Williams then posted photos of her curled up in a blanked on her Instagram account the day after her doubles forfeit.
Mouratoglou and Williams have denied a romantic relationship, but the Telegraph reported that the romance has been an "open secret in the sport."
Williams withdrew from the Swedish Open following her Wimbledon exit.
"There were complicated things and it is true that Serena is in a difficult phase, but I'll leave it there," Mouratoglou said.
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