Garbine Muguruza is aiming to return back to the top of the women’s tour next season after ending the year by failing to win back-to-back matches at her last six tournaments.
2019 has been far from perfect for the Spaniard, who hasn’t played since October due to injury. Overall, she has won 22 out of 38 matches played on the tour with her best performance taking place in April when she won the Monterey Open. However, Muguruza suffered first round losses in two out of the four grand slam tournaments and only won one match following the conclusion of the French Open. Whilst struggling on the court, she parted ways with Sam Sumyk in July. Somebody who guided her to multiple grand slam titles and the world No.1 ranking over a four-year period.
In a bid to turn her fortunes around, Muguruza has reunited with Conchita Martinez. Martinez is a former world No.1 player who won the 1994 Wimbledon title. She has previously been coaching Karolina Pliskova on the tour.
“Conchita and I have known each other for a long time, we have a very close relationship since always, we have shared many beautiful moments and her availability has meant that we can get together.” Muguruza told the EFE news agency.
“She is a woman who has been in my situation. She can understand me better than other person and that has greatly influenced my decision.” She added.
Finishing the season outside the top 30 for the first time since 2013, the 26-year-old has stated that the Tokyo Olympic Games is one of her goals for 2020. Muguruza participated in the 2016 Games. She reached the third round of the singles tournament and the quarter-finals of the doubles event with Carla Suarez Navarro.
“The Games are a special competition for all athletes because they are every four years and being able to get a medal is almost the most important thing you can get and I will try to be part of the team.” She said.
It appears that the recent injury woes to trouble the Spaniard is in the past. Earlier this Month Muguruza undertook a five-day expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa. According to wtatennis.com, she has been planning to climb the mountain since the summer.
Now getting back to full fitness, she will hoping for an elevation in her form on the court and a rise back up in the rankings. Although she admits that her position isn’t the most important thing to her. Muguruza would much rather win a grand slam.
“To win a Grand Slam. Trophies are always the most exciting for me because you can take them home and you can touch the victory. It’s not as much as ranking, which is a good feeling too, but the trophy is the trophy. “ She concluded.
Despite her recent misfortunes on the tour, Muguruza is still Spain’s highest-ranked singles player on the WTA Tour.
Muguruza’s 2019 results
Sydney – R2
Australian Open – R4
Hua Hin – QF
Dubai – R3
Indian Wells – QF
Miami – R2
Monterrey – champion
Madrid – R2
Rome – R3
French Open – R4
Wimbledon – R1
Cincinnati – R1
US Open – R1
Osaka – R1
Wuhan – R2
Beijing – R1
