Ernest Gulbis, once a fiery presence on the ATP Tour and a former world No. 10, remains one of those enigmatic tennis careers defined by exhilarating highs and puzzling inconsistencies. Recently, the celebrated coach Patrick Mouratoglou offered a candid assessment of Gulbis’ forehand, a stroke that has long captivated and confounded tennis enthusiasts alike. Mouratoglou’s critique not only sheds light on the technical challenges Gulbis faced but also reminds us of the fine margins that separate good players from legends.

Mouratoglou took to Instagram to share his insights, pointing out that Gulbis’ forehand technique, specifically his preparation phase, was a crucial stumbling block. The Latvian’s right arm was fully extended too early while readying to strike the ball. This setup restricted his ability to swiftly adapt to fast-paced shots, an increasingly vital skill in the modern power game. It also caused his wrist to lock, severely limiting the chance to impart spin or whip-like dynamism—the subtle elements that turn a solid shot into an unreturnable weapon.

“It’s like trying to swing a racket that’s been left out in the sun too long—stiff and lacking snap,” Mouratoglou analogized, emphasizing how essential flexibility and wrist action are for creating angles and deceptive shots. This natural “snap” is crucial, especially when competing at the highest level, where a minor technical flaw can be ruthlessly exploited.

Despite these mechanical imperfections, Mouratoglou was generous in his praise. Gulbis possessed a powerful serve, a formidable backhand, and was quick around the court, complemented by an impressive touch demonstrated in his deft dropshots. These attributes, Mouratoglou noted, helped him reach the coveted top 10, a feat that speaks volumes about his natural talent and competitive spirit.

One of Gulbis’ most memorable career highlights came at the 2014 French Open (Roland Garros), where he shocked the tennis world by defeating Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. Nadal, the “King of Clay,” was no stranger to dominance at Roland Garros, having won the tournament eight times before Gulbis toppled him. This victory was a testament to Gulbis’ capacity to unlock remarkable performances and reminded fans just how high his ceiling could be when everything clicked.

Ernest Gulbis’ tennis journey has been marked by both brilliance and unfulfilled promise. Born in 1988 in Riga, Latvia, Gulbis hails from a wealthy family with deep roots outside sport—his grandfather was the billionaire banker and philanthropist Ainars Gulbis, who greatly influenced Ernest’s upbringing.

Gulbis turned professional in 2007 and rapidly gained a reputation for his explosive game and emotional intensity on the court, which, at times, both propelled and hindered him. His top 10 ranking came in 2014, the same year as his Roland Garros upset, but his career was also punctuated by frequent clashes with form and motivation.

Unlike many great players who gradually refine their style into a consistent weapon, Gulbis’ game was often likened to a high-risk, high-reward gamble—capable of dazzling tennis “aces” and crushing winners, yet vulnerable to lapses. His forehand, once heralded for its punch, was also a technical flaw identified by coaches like Mouratoglou to limit his progress.

After years of traveling the tour, Gulbis began transitioning away from full-time professional tennis. In September 2022, he stepped into a new role as president of the Latvian Tennis Union, signaling a shift in focus from chasing personal titles to nurturing the future generation in Latvia. Given Latvia’s limited representation on the world tennis stage—with no male players currently ranked inside the top 300—Gulbis’ leadership could be pivotal.

His final professional appearance came in 2023 at the Davis Cup, where he helped Latvia secure a victory in the singles tie. Though he has not officially announced retirement, it seems increasingly unlikely he will return to the grueling demands of the ATP Tour.

Historically, Latvian tennis has had few stars reaching the global spotlight, and Gulbis’ emergence was a landmark moment for the sport in his country. Besides him, Anastasija Sevastova, a Latvian female player, has made significant strides in women’s tennis, reaching the top 20 and making deep runs in Grand Slams. The seeds of tennis success planted by Gulbis’ generation may soon bear fruit.

Mouratoglou himself is no stranger to coaching top-tier talent, having guided Serena Williams to multiple Grand Slams and working with other elite players. His insights into Gulbis’ game combine technical expertise with patience for the complexities of a player considered by many as a brilliantly flawed genius.

“There’s always a way to work with your strengths, even if your weaknesses prevent you from becoming No. 1,” Mouratoglou emphasized. “True success comes from maximizing what you have and understanding yourself.”

And so, while Ernest Gulbis might not have served up grand slam titles or claimed the world No. 1 spot, his career remains a compelling story of talent, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. As he now dedicates himself to cultivating Latvian tennis, one can only hope that future stars will rise—perhaps even one day acing their way to the pinnacle that, for Gulbis, was nearly within reach.

After all, in tennis as in life, it’s often not just the final score but the style and heart with which you play the game that leaves the lasting impression. Gulbis’ legacy might well be the inspiration he serves up to the next generation of Latvian hopefuls ready to volley for glory.