NEW DELHI: Former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza announced her retirement from tennis on Saturday, following a hiatus of over a year without competing.
Speaking at a press conference during the Laureus Awards, the 30-year-old reflected on her illustrious career, stating, "The time has come to say goodbye. It has been a long and beautiful journey, but I feel that the moment to retire has arrived."
Muguruza's decision marks the end of a remarkable tenure in professional tennis, during which she achieved significant milestones and left an indelible mark on the sport.
"It's a decision that I've been taking little by little."
Muguruza's last official match was at the Lyon Open in January 2023, marking her temporary departure from the sport. Following this event, she refrained from competing, leading to her eventual retirement announcement.
"When I stopped competing, I returned home and I welcomed the break with open arms," said Muguruza who ends her career with 10 singles titles.
"Every day that went by I felt better and I didn't miss the discipline and the difficulty of the life I had before, so it has been a progressive thing."
Muguruza's WTA main-draw debut occurred in 2012, marking the beginning of her professional journey. Her breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage came in 2015 when she reached her first final at Wimbledon, where she faced Serena Williams but was unable to clinch the title.
However, she swiftly bounced back, securing her maiden Grand Slam victory at the French Open in 2016 by defeating Serena Williams. The following year, Muguruza continued her success by triumphing over Venus Williams to claim the Wimbledon title.
These victories solidified her place in tennis history, as her French Open win made her the first Spanish woman to win a Grand Slam since Arantxa Sanchez Vicario in 1998, while her Wimbledon triumph made her the first Spanish female champion at the All England Club since Conchita Martinez in 1994.
Martinez's influence played a significant role in Muguruza's success, as she coached her to the Wimbledon title. In a fitting turn of events, just two months after her Wimbledon triumph, Muguruza ascended to the number one ranking in the world, cementing her status as one of tennis's elite players.
(With AFP inputs)
