Stop with the Nonsense: Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Defends Coco Gauff Against ‘Tanking’ Accusations at WTA Finals
The world of women’s tennis is no stranger to controversy, but recent allegations suggesting Coco Gauff intentionally “tanked” a match to hurt Iga Swiatek’s standing at the WTA Finals have taken things to an absurd level. Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams and a respected figure in the sport, quickly shut down these accusations, calling them “nonsense.” His response highlights not just the baseless nature of the accusations, but also the toxic and divisive commentary that’s been creeping into tennis discourse.
For context, Gauff’s match against Aryna Sabalenka didn’t go as planned, leading some to speculate that Gauff, either intentionally or out of lack of motivation, “tanked” her match, indirectly damaging Swiatek’s chances in the tournament. The theory? That Gauff and Swiatek’s budding rivalry might have given the young American a reason to prefer Sabalenka’s success. In any other world, such a wild claim would likely have been dismissed instantly. But in today’s era of social media-fueled controversies, even baseless narratives gain traction, sparking debates that, quite frankly, miss the mark entirely.
Tanking Allegations: Baseless and Bizarre
Tennis fans and analysts alike know that Gauff, at just 19 years old, is a prodigy who has taken the sport by storm. She’s the youngest American to reach a Grand Slam final since Serena Williams. She’s fiercely competitive, committed to her craft, and has shown time and again her dedication to winning. So, for some fans to claim that she would intentionally underperform to spite a competitor is not only insulting but also detracts from the integrity of the game.
Patrick Mouratoglou didn’t hesitate to call out these conspiracy theories as ridiculous. He pointed out that the idea of Gauff tanking a match—especially in a high-stakes tournament like the WTA Finals—is absurd and reflects a lack of understanding of what’s at stake. In essence, this is no minor match; every player has fought to reach the WTA Finals, and suggesting that Gauff would throw away an opportunity in one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year is disrespectful to her and to the sport.
Mouratoglou’s response taps into a larger, ongoing issue in tennis: the increasing polarization and sensationalism in fan culture. Instead of celebrating athletes’ accomplishments, we’re quick to assume malicious intent, sometimes even when there’s no evidence. This is hardly the first time players have been accused of such things—Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios, and even Serena Williams have faced similar allegations throughout their careers. However, for such rumors to surround Gauff—still a teenager and relatively new to the top ranks of the sport—suggests a troubling trend that could ultimately damage the sport’s reputation.
Gauff and Swiatek: A Manufactured Rivalry?
The claims that Gauff might have tanked her match to damage Swiatek’s chances also play into an artificial narrative of rivalry between the two young stars. While Gauff and Swiatek have had intense matches, and there is a natural competition between them, that doesn’t imply animosity. In fact, such narratives often obscure the genuine camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among top players. Gauff has expressed admiration for Swiatek, and there’s little evidence of personal conflict between the two.
Media coverage and online speculation, however, frequently stoke these so-called rivalries. We’ve seen it before, with various fan “camps” amplifying tensions that the players themselves haven’t endorsed. This exaggeration not only adds unnecessary drama but can put undue pressure on young athletes, shaping how they’re perceived and how they’re treated both on and off the court. In this case, pitting Gauff against Swiatek as rivals has seemingly created an environment where any perceived advantage or loss by one player can spiral into baseless accusations.
A Broader Issue in Women’s Sports
The “tanking” narrative is troubling not only because it’s baseless but because it reflects an ongoing problem in how we discuss women’s sports. Male athletes rarely face the same level of scrutiny, particularly around supposed intentional losses. Women’s tennis, though popular, has often been viewed through a lens of drama and personality clashes—sometimes more than the sport itself. These narratives don’t just undermine the players; they shift attention away from their skill, dedication, and accomplishments.
When Mouratoglou calls the tanking accusations “nonsense,” he’s standing up for the integrity of the sport and for the athletes who deserve better. Gauff, just like Swiatek and Sabalenka, has worked tirelessly to reach this level, and she is held to high standards by herself, her team, and her fans. To suggest otherwise because of an unfortunate loss at the WTA Finals shows a disappointing disregard for her professionalism and her commitment to tennis.
It’s Time to Move Past Baseless Controversies
The accusations of Gauff “tanking” to hurt Swiatek are nothing but a distraction from the real story: a group of exceptionally talented young women fighting for the top spot in tennis. While it’s natural for sports to have rivalries and even the occasional feud, we owe it to players like Gauff to avoid jumping to conclusions without evidence. There’s enough talent, excitement, and unpredictability in the sport without manufacturing controversies that don’t exist.
Patrick Mouratoglou’s response to the accusations highlights the importance of shutting down these harmful rumors early. Tennis fans should take his words to heart and focus on supporting players rather than tearing them down with groundless speculations. Gauff’s future is bright, as is Swiatek’s, and instead of pitting them against each other in every imagined way, we should appreciate the level of skill and competitive spirit they bring to the court.
Let’s stop with the nonsense and get back to what matters: great tennis, promising young players, and a sport that’s only getting more exciting.