At the age of 23, Garbine Muguruza is already hoping that she will one day become a veteran of the WTA Tour similar to that of the Williams sisters.
The Spaniard is currently the second youngest player in the world’s top 10 after 20-year-old Jelena Ostapenko. A sharp contrast to Venus Williams, who is ranked fifth in the world at the age of 37. Williams and her sister Serena has inspired numerous players throughout their career due to their longevity. A benchmark that Muguruza hopes to one day reach.
“I see myself playing for a long time. I do not know what the future will bring, but I want to keep playing tennis,” she said during an interview with EFE.
There are, however limits to her aspirations. Earlier this month Kimiko Date Krumm ended her record-breaking career at the age of 46. The former world No.4, who defeated Muguruza back in 2014, played in the main draw of 16 grand slam tournaments before she was born.
“I will never imagine myself — ever — playing at that age,” she told Japanese media in Tokyo. “I think it was just too good that her body and her mind were able to go that long in her career.
“To stay healthy and at the same time have the motivation (for that long), I think it’s going to be a record. For me it’s just amazing.”
Whilst the future remains a mystery, Muguruza has some pressing matters to address at present. The Wimbledon champion will play her first tournament as world No.1 this week at the Japan Open in Tokyo. Muguruza is only the second Spanish player to become world No.1 on the WTA Tour and the first since Conchita Martinez in 1995.
“This is the issue. I slept peacefully when I achieved it (becoming world No.1), but at the same time I am aware of the burden I am shouldering,” Muguruza said.
“On one hand, what an achievement! But there is still a lot of work to do and it will be difficult.”
The ability to stay at the top will be further complicated next year with the return of Serena Williams, who recently gave birth to her first child. In their head-to-head, she trails 2-3, but triumphed when they clash in the final of the 2016 French Open.
“I think she will return to competition and she will be as dangerous as she has always been. It is incredible that after being a mother and the best (player in the world), she still has the will and the hunger to return to competition,” she said.
On Martinez’s controversial dismissal
The rise of Muguruza is one she credits to those that has helped develop her both mentally and physically. One of those include Martinez, who mentored her throughout this year’s Wimbledon championship.
Recently the Spanish tennis Federation RFET has come under fire after dismissing the three-time Olympic medallists as the Fed and Davis Cup captain out of the blue. It has been reported that she was only informed an hour before the announcement and Toni Nadal was not informed. Nadal is a member of the RFET’s technical committee.
“It is a delicate topic. I think the decision has to be taken by the Federation, which is why it is there, they are responsible for it. But I would have liked Conchita to continue. I will always have a great relationship with her, and I know that I can count on her at any moment,” the world No.1 said about the topic.
A new captain(s) will be announced within the coming days.
