An incredible career’: Swiatek, Badosa, Gauff praise Muguruza in Madrid
As the tennis world gears up for the Mutua Madrid Open, tributes are pouring in for Spanish star Garbiñe Muguruza, who recently announced her retirement from the sport. The 30-year-old, known for her aggressive style of play, leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having captured 10 WTA singles titles, including prestigious victories at Roland Garros in…
As the tennis world gears up for the Mutua Madrid Open, tributes are pouring in for Spanish star Garbiñe Muguruza, who recently announced her retirement from the sport. The 30-year-old, known for her aggressive style of play, leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having captured 10 WTA singles titles, including prestigious victories at Roland Garros in 2016, Wimbledon in 2017, and the 2021 WTA Finals.
Fellow Spanish player Paula Badosa, who rose to the Top 5 following in Muguruza’s footsteps, described her compatriot as an “example” for her impact on Spanish tennis and the broader tour. Reflecting on their shared experiences, Badosa highlighted Muguruza’s influence on her own game and career trajectory, expressing admiration for her achievements and the moments they shared on and off the court.
In 2021, both Muguruza and Badosa qualified for the WTA Finals, marking a significant milestone for Spanish women’s tennis. Recalling their semifinal encounter at the event, Badosa acknowledged Muguruza’s superior performance with humor, emphasizing the significance of their presence at the prestigious tournament for Spanish tennis.
World No.1 Iga Swiatek also paid tribute to Muguruza, citing her as an early inspiration in her own tennis journey. Swiatek admired Muguruza’s versatility across different surfaces and confessed to being a fan of hers during her formative years on the tour, noting her admiration for both Muguruza’s playing style and personality.
US Open champion Coco Gauff praised Muguruza’s consistency and ability to perform at the highest level, regardless of previous results. Gauff emphasized Muguruza’s impact on the sport and predicted that she would be greatly missed by both fans and fellow players alike.
Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen hailed Muguruza as a “legend,” highlighting her unique achievement of winning both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Qinwen emphasized Muguruza’s talent and success, recognizing her as a standout figure in women’s tennis.
Maria Sakkari, last year’s Madrid semifinalist, echoed similar sentiments, describing Muguruza’s career as “amazing” and emphasizing her status as one of the sport’s most marketable players. Sakkari expressed support for Muguruza’s decision to retire and encouraged her to enjoy the next chapter of her life.
In conclusion, as Muguruza bids farewell to professional tennis, her peers and fans alike celebrate her extraordinary career and lasting impact on the sport.
