Before Serena Williams played Italian tennis pro Roberta Vinci at the US Open semifinals, Williams’ coach and rumored boyfriend Patrick Mouratoglou was interviewed on TV. He was asked about if or how the day before’s rain delay affected Williams. Mouratoglou, who has helped Williams earn six Grand Slams in the three years they’ve been working together, was quick to take credit, “I influence her moods.”
[Serena Williams — “The Mind Is The Strongest”]
But keeping Williams’ emotions intact – as she gets closer to the finals – is up to Williams. If she does so successfully and beats Vinci, she will face another Italian, Flavia Pennetta. Pennetta is not dating her coach (Spaniard Salvador Navarro), but she is dating Fabio Fognini, who earlier this year won the Australian Open in doubles with Simone Bolelli.
