Amelie Mauresmo Opts to Become Lucas Pouille’s Coach

Saturday, 15 December 2018, 5:51 am Vijay Rahaman

Two time WTA Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo has surprised the French tennis circuit by returning to full-time coaching by taking up the role as coach of Lucas Pouille with immediate effect, thus not taking up the role as the French Davis Cup captain for 2019.

The 39-year old had accepted the position to lead her nation’s men national team back in June of this year, but will now be trying to get fellow French player Pouille back to his best form.

The 24-year old first came to prominence on the circuit when he beat Rafael Nadal, in the fourth round of the US Open back in 2016.

Pouille currently sits at the number 32nd spot on the ATP Tour rankings, but had been in the Top-10 earlier this year, but he has slipped down the ladder, owing to a drop off in his form.

The news was announced through the French Federation of Tennis (FFT). In a statement they revealed Mauresmo has accepted the coaching role for Pouille and as a result won’t be captaining the French Davis Cup side.

They added:

“The French Tennis Federation supports and encourages this project which serves the interest of French tennis.”

As far as filling the now vacant role, the FFT announced they will look at various options before revealing the name.

For his part Pouille, who was born in Grand-Synthe, but resides in Dubai, expressed his delight at having the 2006 Australian Open and Wimbledon champion on his side.

On his Twitter account, he welcomed the Mauresmo signing and added what would help him is her twin-experience as both, a top player and coach. Her experience as a player and a coach can help me achieve my goals. I’m sure we are going to do great things together.”

The player who only recently was part of the French Davis Cup team that lost the final against Croatia won one title this year in Montpellier. Mauresmo’s coaching experience includes Andy Murray between 2014 and 2016, and previously Marion Bartoli and Victoria Azarenka.

The new partnership have already started work recently in the hope of getting a jump start on the 2019 season.

About Vijay Rahaman 19 Articles

Vijay is a freelance sports journalist seeking to improve in all aspects of life. A passionate follower of football, cricket, tennis & basketball along with some other sports – basically if it’s sports, he’s there enjoying himself. He reckons working in sports has taught and helped him to deal with everyday life. Loves going with the flow.