Garbine Muguruza is a two-time Grand Slam champion from Spain. A former world No. 1, she also has 10 career titles to her name, the most important of which, the 2021 WTA Finals. So the 28-year-old Spaniard is no stranger to touring. She has overseen some incredible highs and some very tough lows in her career.

Garbine Muguruza has nothing but praise for fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal

Muguruza revealed that she didn’t miss watching the men’s singles final match at the 2022 Australian Open, where fellow countryman Rafael Nadal faced world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev for another shot at the ‘story.

“Oh my God, what a game. I saw it start in the morning and I was back and forth and back and forth. It was a legendary match. It was really impressive. I think Rafa showed his essence in this game. He’s tough, strong, everything. I think he was a perfect example that he’s the best at turning a game around, getting in a fight and staying there. It was amazing,” she said.

The feeling of respect and admiration is mutual when it comes to Nadal and Muguruza. Muguruza became the first Spaniard to win the WTA Finals in 2021. Nadal did not forget to congratulate her on her achievement during the tenth anniversary celebrations of her Foundation. “I’m happy for Garbiñe. What she has achieved is a milestone in our sport and a joy for Spanish tennis. I congratulate her” he said.

Muguruza has completed the Australian Open 2022 experience

The current world No. 6, who is defending her title at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, did not have a perfect start to the year as she lost in the second round of the Australian Open 2022 to to Alizé Cornet.

DIVE DEEPER

“I was disappointed. It took a few days to get home [to get over it]”, Muguruza admitted. But she said she had a positive attitude and started asking the right questions.

“I’m like, ‘Okay, how am I going to shake things up? How am I going to come back stronger?’… It’s always disappointing to lose in a Grand Slam so early. But I continued. I am here. It’s a good tournament. It’s already in the past,” she added.

She mentioned that it was a rewarding feeling to enter the tournament as the defending champion. Muguruza also clarified that it is better to be a target than nothing as it will push to do better.

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