Serena Williams is all set to take part in this year’s Wimbledon but this time with a new coach Eric Hechtman. Earlier this month, Wimbledon had shared a list of players that would participate this year. However, Serena’s name was missing. Nonetheless, later on, she made a comeback statement on Instagram, tagging Eric Hechtman.
Who is Eric Hechtman?
Currently, Hechtman is the Director of Tennis at the Royal Palm Tennis Club in Florida. Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, etc have had him as a hitting partner. He has also been the coach for Venus Williams. At the university level, Eric was the captain for three years and held the school record for the most all-time wins. He rose to become the third-most-recruited college tennis player in the United States. Hechtman was a two-time ACC winner and a two-time Big East champion at the University of Michigan.
Serena Williams discontinued her coaching relationship with Patrick Mouratoglou earlier this year. Patrick is now coaching two-time Major winner Simona Halep.
“I wanted to be fair to her and not be disappointed at the end of my career,” Mouratoglou said. He continued, “I went to ask her what she was going to do. I asked her if she wanted to go to Roland Garros. She told me she didn’t know. It was six weeks before the tour. I told her I was waiting for her on Monday for training and if she didn’t come, I would consider myself free.”
Serena Williams will compete in the Rothesay International competition at Eastbourne next week. Moreover, he will be teaming up with Tunisia’s World No. 4 Ons Jabeur, ahead of Wimbledon. Jabeur has certainly voiced her delight at the prospect of playing alongside Williams.