Serena Williams Former Coach To Open Tennis Center In Naples

Tennis players in Naples, Florida will soon be able to take lessons from Serena Williams former coach Patrick Mouratoglou. The world-renowned tennis coach and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón have announced a strategic partnership to open the first Mouratoglou Tennis Center in Florida.

Opening in early summer 2024, a variety of training camps, private lessons, leagues, and retreats will deliver a premium tennis experience for both resort guests and members utilizing the proven Mouratoglou methodology based on customization and unparalleled instruction to enhance the skills of every level of player. Mouratoglou served as the coach of Serena Williams from 2012 to 2022, and is currently the coach of Holger Rune.

Naples Florida, which was just yesterday named as the best place to live in the United States, was a perfect fit for the new tennis center. "Florida is, for me, one of the best tennis destinations. I have memories here with each of the players I've coached, from Serena Williams to Holger Rune. Florida's passion for tennis and its status as a sports hub (with the Miami Open) make it the perfect place for our expansion," states Patrick Mouratoglou. "The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón's commitment to excellence aligns with our vision, making it the ideal partner for this venture."

In an interview with Olympics.com, Mouratoglou said in an interview about coaching Serena Williams "We had quite a few moments where we disagreed. I think one of the keys is to resolve the issues, even if it means telling each other the unvarnished truth face to face, and things heat up. You have to say things even if it hurts... and even if it creates moments of anger." After pairing up with Serena, she subsequently won Wimbledon, gold at London 2012, the US Open and the WTA Finals.

Serena Williams is just one of the many names Mouratoglou has coached. Since 1996, the Mouratoglou Academy in the French Riviera has stood as a figure of tennis excellence, guiding top players like Serena Williams, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Holger Rune, Coco Gauff and many others to the top of the game.

The Mouratoglou Tennis Center at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon will feature four outdoor tennis courts, and a diverse array of programs including summer tennis camps, a kids' program, weekend and holiday camps, private and group lessons, as well as exclusive offerings for Ritz-Carlton guests and members such as a leagues and round robin tournaments.  

"Tennis is such an integral part of the active lifestyle that so many of our guests are drawn to," said Jenny Piccione, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. "Aligning Patrick Mouratoglou to bring his proven methodology to our coaches and players heightens the level of instruction and ability of skill improvements while visiting the resort."

This expansion follows on the heels of successful centers and academies established in Dubai (UAE), Costa Navarino (Greece), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Sardinia (Italy), Beijing (China), New York (USA), and the upcoming launch of the Mouratoglou Academy in Melbourne (Australia) in 2027.

For more information and updates on the opening of The Mouratoglou Tennis Center at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, please visit www.mouratoglou-naples.com.

Naples, Florida is already a major hub for pickleball and hosts both PGA and LPGA events, plus numerous youth sports championships. Now, adding a major name in tennis coaching is turning what was once a sleepy retirement town into a sports hub.

There is nothing like this event anywhere else in Southwest Florida. Heck, anywhere else in the United States. It's an exclusive event and it attracts people from around the country and also the world. Tickets start at $15,000. I've been fortunate enough to cover this event for several years as a food and wine writer. Just when I think I've seen it all, the wine God's surprise me. I'm taking you behind the scenes at the 33 Million Dollar Naples Winter Wine Fest (NWWF). Yes, $33 million was raised in one afternoon. Amazing.

The NWWF is one of the most successful wine auctions in the country and the world. The money is donated to 60 different charities that support underprivileged and at risk kids. The festival began in 2001 and over the years has raised $269 million. It's held on the lawn at The Ritz Carlton, Tiburon and begins with an epic food and wine tasting. Ritz Carlton chefs from around the country serve creative bites and there are tables full of breads, cheeses and desserts. Delicious.

Next, tables full of wine. Selections include many you'll never see on any wine list in Southwest Florida. They are rare vintages, large formats and from cult wine producers. Some are wines you will only see in the cellars of avid collectors. However, here you can taste them with abandoned. Go!

Those photos don't even scratch the surface of the wow wines that were served and the beautiful small bites. Besides the food, there was fashion under the tent. Dress to impress. That was the memo. Outstanding.

Finally, patrons were ushered into a huge auction tent. Ready, set, go. $320,000 was raised on the first lot. There were 50 lots and the $10 million mark was hit less than half way through. However, minds were blown at lot #29. It brought in $2.7 million. Six couples sail around the Mediterranean on a private yacht with a crew of 27 plus a few more perks. Wow.

Meanwhile, here are a few more photos. Check them out. Bravo on a job will done.