Two-time grand slam champion Garbine Muguruza believes that she doesn’t have to be ‘100% ready’ for the US Open to have a chance of winning the title following her latest loss.
Muguruza, who was the defending champion at this week’s Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, crashed out in the second round on Wednesday. The 24-year-old was leading world No.44 Lesia Tsurenko 4-1 in the deciding set before losing five consecutive games. Crashing out 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
“I think it was a very ugly match, but I’m happy that I fought.” Said Muguruza, who hit 43 unforced errors during the match. “The level wasn’t very high, but at the end she managed to come back in the third set and play better and found a way to keep winning and won the match.”
The loss is the latest setback to hit the Spanish player. Earlier this month, she was forced to withdraw from tournaments in San Jose and Montreal due to a arm injury. Meaning her clash with Tsurenko was her first competitive match since Wimbledon. Despite the disappointment, Muguruza has found a silver lining ahead of the final grand slam of the season.
“I’m happy that I didn’t felt pain. I competed.” She stated. “It (the match) didn’t go my way. I’m going to take that positive and keep training for US Open.”
“I think it’s normal that I have, here and there, some issues. I haven’t had a big injury for a while, so I’m happy to have little things here and there.”
As a consequence of her latest loss, Muguruza will exit the top 10 on Monday for the first time since July 2nd, 2017. Last October she was world No.1.
Muguruza’s focus is now on the US Open. Statistically, Flushing Meadows is her worst performing grand slam. Out of five main draw appearances, she has only managed to win five matches. Her best run occurred last year when she reached the fourth round before losing to Petra Kvitova.
Despite her recent record in New York, Muguruza believes that her experience of being a two-time grand slam champion will enhance her chances.
“I believe that I don’t have to be 100% ready or in the best moment of your life to win It (the US Open). I know that behind every Grand Slam there is crazy stories, I’m sure, for everybody, that you ended up winning and maybe you never thought it was going to happen, things like that.” She said.
“It makes me believe that so many things are possible. It doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen. Just experience to work hard and to never lose the motivation to believe you can do it.”
The US Open will get underway on August 27th.
