The run to the French Open title is an achievement that Garbine Muguruza hopes will inspire people in two countries close to her heart.
The 22-year-old defeated Serena Williams in straight sets to win her first grand slam title. She has become the 11th player from Spain to win a grand slam title and the youngest winner of a major title since Victoria Azarenka in the 2012 Australian Open. The win is a massive coup for Spanish women’s tennis, who now have their first grand slam champion since Arantxa Sanchez Vicario back in 1998. Spain isn’t the only country celebrating the win, Venezuela is also hoping to capitalize on Muguruza’s win.
Born in Caracas in 1993, Muguruza has a Venezuelan mother and a Spanish father. Early in her career Muguruza agonised for 18 months over which country she should represent. She eventually opted for Spain in October 2014, calling it ‘her best option’. From a young age she trained in Barcelona, but even now she still has a lot of affection for her birthplace.
“That’s the best thing when you inspire people, when people tell you, ‘Oh, I wish I could play like you and to be like that.’ I think that’s great to hear, especially from kids.” Muguruza said following her French Open win.
“I always have Venezuela in my heart, even though there is a Spanish flag under my name. I have a lot of support from there similar to Spain, which is amazing.”
“I don’t just play for Spain, I play for Venezuela.”
The moment Muguruza won the title in Paris is one she won’t forget. Tricking Williams with an overhead lob, the 22-year-old was initially uncertain if the ball had landed in or out. Fortunately it did, giving her the title.
“I was like, Did I win Roland Garros? What happened? When he said, Game, set, and match, I was like, No way. I won. It was like amazing,” She recalled.
Whilst the achievement was something significant, the smiling 22-year-old said her performance was ‘nothing special’. Muguruza dropped only one set in the entire tournament during her first round encounter against Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. During the final, she produced four aces and 18 winners.
“I just had a very aggressive game. I went for my shots with no regrets,” she said.
“I don’t think I did anything special today. Just a lot of confidence.”
Muguruza has become the latest superstar in the world of world of tennis. Rising to No.2 in the world rankings, she hopes that her French Open triumph will lead to an increase in children playing tennis in Venezuela.
“I think that sports in general and tennis should be practiced more and more in Venezuela. I would like to have more children playing tennis.”
The win is a milestone in Muguruza’s career, however, the implications could be far greater for the place where she grew up. Never before has a Spanish win triggered a surge of hope in the South American country of Venezuela.
