Two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza says it is ‘very good’ to be reunited with her coach after she was briefly sidelined from the Tour with illness.
The world No.13 is mentored on the Tour by Conchita Martinez who is best known for winning the 1994 Wimbledon title. They have been working together since 2019 with Muguruza experiencing a surge in form this season by winning the Dubai Tennis Championships and reaching the final of the Qatar Open. However, the partnership took an usual turn in the Middle East after Martinez was placed in isolation due to testing positive for COVID-19. Nevertheless, they continued to work together during that period with the use of video calling.
“It’s very good to have her back after the last swing where she was unfortunate with the virus. We always had a great relationship,” Muguruza told reporters on Sunday.
“Since we met, I feel like I have to talk less and that’s very hard to find. She’s been a player, she’s been in those situations, tough moments, good moments, days that you don’t feel good and days that you feel great.”
Seeded eighth at the Miami Open, Muguruza experienced a roller-coaster journey into the fourth round against Russian wildcard Anna Kalinskaya. The Spaniard lost the opening set and then had to battle back from 0-3 down in the decider before prevailing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. A result which has left Muguruza with mixed feelings after she admitted she didn’t produce her ‘A game.’
“These are very tricky rounds where in a big tournament with a big draw that you face players that some of them are unknown,” she said. “It doesn’t mean they don’t have a great level.’
“I felt I didn’t bring my best tennis on court, but I brought my fighting spirit and I could match the level of fighting against Anna.’
“Doesn’t matter if you play pretty or you play ugly, but you stay strong and you go through these rounds.”
The latest victory is the 20th of the season for the 27-year-old who has already scored six wins over top 20 opposition. She has won more matches and played in more finals than any other player on the WTA Tour so far this year.
Muguruza will next play Bianca Andreescu in Miami. At stake is the chance for her to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time in her career. This year is her ninth main draw appearance.
“I had very tough matches and I expect every time the same level of game because this is really since I started this year, every match is hard,” she concluded.
