MADRID: It was a victory that had a much deeper meaning for Garbine Muguruza at the Madrid Open.
The Spanish third seed rallied from behind to see off Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. During the first part of the match she faced the prospect of exiting the tournament in the second round. Trailing the match by a set and a break. Nevertheless, she managed to overcome her demons at the tournament to prevail. Producing a total of 32 winners against 35 unforced errors.
“I felt that she was playing very good. I didn’t feel like, oh, second round or something. Because I knew I could turn things around if I wanted to believe that. So I just stayed composed.” Muguruza said about the match.
“I just felt all the time I was very close, but didn’t take the lead. So in the second set I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m going to just, keep doing it and eventually is going to turn things around.’ And it happened.” She later added.
Despite it being her home tournament, this is the first time Muguruza managed to reach the last 16. On her past five attempts, she has exited in the first round twice and in the second round three times. A far from flattering record for the two-time grand slam champion. After her latest win, her record in the tournament stands at 5-5.
“It feels good because it’s my first time (in the third round). (It’s) always tricky. But I found the way today to win.” She reflected.
“And I was thinking it was motivation for me, extra motivation to go there. Never have a negative thought and to use the opportunity to be in third round.”
Hoping to keep the momentum going, Muguruza will next take on Indian Wells finalist Daria Kasatkina. The Russian dismissed Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-1, in her second round match.
“She’s having, I think, a breakthrough this year, more than previous years. And it’s exciting to play her. I think it’s a good matchup. And, yeah, I’m excited for that.” The world No.3 concluded.
Muguruza trails her head-to-head against Kasatkina 1-2, but won their most recent at this year’s Dubai Open.
https://twitter.com/GarbiMuguruza/status/993982572823830531
