Shock Australian Open semi-finalist Lucas Pouille says he owes plenty to new coach Amelie Mauresmo after hitting new career highs at Melbourne Park this month.
The Frenchman hadn't won a match in five previous Opens before this year.
Now he's well in contention to emulate his coach, the 2006 champion, after a streak of wins that very few saw coming.
His latest success, a four-set triumph over red-hot Canadian Milos Raonic on Wednesday night, propelled Pouille into a first major semi-final.
The well-considered 24-year-old was happy to share credit for his run.
"She's bringing a lot of confidence to my game, to my personality, to my state of mind," he said.
Pouille is the second man that Mauresmo, 39, has coached after her trail-blazing mentorship of Andy Murray beginning in 2014.
France's long-term Fed Cup captain was to become Davis Cup captain this year but decided not to take up the role after reforms that diminished the traditional competition.
Instead, she took control of Pouille on a full-term basis - with the world No.30 totally unconcerned by her gender.
"She has the right state of mind and knows everything about tennis. It's not about being a woman .. it doesn't matter. You just have to know what you're doing and she does," he said.
"Men are coaching women, so why not the contrary?
"She's a champion. She's a great coach."
Mauresmo has also steered Victoria Azarenka to become world No.1, and Marion Bartoli to her surprise Wimbledon triumph in 2013.
Australian Associated Press
