Playing in a home tournament is a highlight of many players’ careers, but for Garbine Muguruza it is also one that frustrates her.
Next week the Wimbledon champion returns to the Caja Magica, venue of the Madrid Open. The most prestigious tennis tournament in Spain. It will be Muguruza’s sixth consecutive appearance at the event. Despite being a two-time grand slam champion and former world No.1, her record in Madrid is far from spectacular. She is yet to progress beyond the second round of the event.
“I do not know what happens in Madrid.” She told reporters on Thursday.
“Whenever I come to play here I am happy because it is the only women’s tournament we have in Spain and it is very important. I’m going to see if this year I’m going to do a little better,” she added.
In total Muguruza has only won three main draw matches in Madrid. Last year she crashed out in straight sets to Timea Bacsinszky in the first round. Some have speculated that the poor record is due to the amount of pressure piled onto the Spanish No.1. Currently, she is the only top 20 player from her country and one of only three in the top 100. Since becoming a Premier Mandatory event in 2009, a Spanish woman is yet to reach the final of the Madrid Open.
“In Madrid you play with more pressure, but it is also true that there were days that I did not feel well, I did not finish adapting (to the conditions) … I can not find the reason or the recipe but I do not lose the illusion of coming and playing well because in Madrid I only played in this tournament and the Fed Cup.”
The conditions of the event is is a stark contrast to that of the French Open. Madrid is more than 650m above sea level. Meaning that the speed of balls moves much quicker compared to other clay court tournaments. Handing an advantage to the more aggressive players on the tour.
Beside a poor record, there is also an injury cloud looming over Muguruza’s head. At the Stuttgart Open she was forced to withdraw from the second round due to a back problem. Although she is confident that will not hamper her next week.
“I’m better, it’s a nuisance that I’ve had since the Fed Cup but I’m encouraged because I feel better than in Stuttgart,” she said.
Muguruza is currently ranked third in the world behind Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki.
Muguruza’s Madrid record
2012 – R1
2013 – R2 (qualifying tournament)
2014 – R2
2015 – R2
2016 – R2
2017 – R1
