Tennis

Garbiñe Muguruza, the former world No. 1 tennis player, is embracing a new chapter in her life after retiring from the sport. In an exclusive interview with Mujerhoy magazine, Muguruza shared her thoughts on her post-tennis life, her upcoming wedding, and her new role as tournament director of the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh.Muguruza, who retired at the age of 30, admitted that she never expected to leave tennis so early. However, the intense nature of her approach to the sport took its toll. "I even thought that I would lose my identity if I stopped playing," she said.Now, Muguruza is channeling her competitive spirit into new ventures. She is actively involved in wedding planning for her upcoming nuptials with fiancé Arthur Borges. Additionally, she is excited about her role as tournament director of the WTA Finals, a position that makes her the first former player to hold the post.Muguruza's appointment to the WTA Finals is a testament to her experience and passion for the sport. She won the season-ending tournament in 2021 and is eager to use her knowledge to elevate the event. "I feel very honored and excited about this opportunity," she said. "I hope to transform the WTA Finals into a showcase for women's tennis that not only grows the game but also inspires fans, especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams."Muguruza's post-tennis life is a reflection of her determination and resilience. She is embracing new challenges and using her platform to make a positive impact on the sport she loves.

Rafael Nadal's recent withdrawal from the Laver Cup has sparked speculation about his retirement. While the tennis legend has hinted at winding down his career, his exact plans remain uncertain.Former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, who retired earlier this year, believes Nadal is ready to move on. She cites his physical and mental readiness, as well as his desire to spend more time with his family.Nadal's off-ramp has been a moving target, with many expecting him to retire after Roland Garros or the Olympics. However, he has continued to play, albeit with reduced intensity.Despite his uncertain future, Nadal remains a beloved figure in tennis. Players like Matteo Berrettini, Andrey Rublev, and Dominic Thiem have expressed their admiration for his warrior spirit and the impact he has had on the sport.Berrettini, who lost to Nadal in the 2019 US Open semifinals, considers it an honor to have played against him. Rublev, who has a rare clay-court win over Nadal, recalls their 2017 US Open quarterfinal as a "fairytale" experience.Thiem, who has six career victories against Nadal, believes the Spaniard's future is uncertain. He notes that Nadal's situation has changed since their last meeting in January.While Nadal's retirement may be imminent, his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time is secure. His determination, resilience, and passion for the sport have inspired countless players and fans around the world.

Garbiñe Muguruza, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, has been appointed as the tournament director of the season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. This marks a significant milestone for the event, as Muguruza becomes the first former player to hold this prestigious position.Muguruza, who retired from professional tennis in April, won the WTA Finals in 2021. Her appointment as tournament director reflects her deep understanding of the game and her commitment to promoting women's tennis.The WTA Finals, which feature the Top 8 singles players and doubles teams, will move to the Saudi Arabian capital for 2024 on a three-year deal. The event will offer a record $15.25 million in prize money, showcasing the growing investment in women's tennis.In her new role, Muguruza will work closely with the WTA, the Saudi Tennis Federation, and the Ministry of Sport to oversee the strategic planning and delivery of the event. She will focus on raising tennis' profile in the region and promoting health and wellness initiatives for young people.Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in professional tennis, including title sponsorship of the ATP and WTA rankings. The Saudi Tennis Federation aims to have 1 million players in the country by 2030. Muguruza's appointment as tournament director aligns with this ambitious goal.Muguruza expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I know how special this event is for our top players, and I've also seen its potential to inspire communities all over the world. I'm excited to work with a great team to present a showcase for women's tennis that not only grows tennis but encourages all fans, and especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams."Muguruza's appointment adds to the growing number of former players who serve as tournament directors of various tour events. Amelie Mauresmo at Roland Garros and Conchita Martinez at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals are notable examples.

Garbiñe Muguruza, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, has bid farewell to tennis at the age of 30. The Spanish star announced her retirement at a press conference in Madrid on Saturday, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade.Muguruza's journey began as a teenager in 2012, when she made a remarkable run to the fourth round of the Miami Open as a wild card. Two years later, she claimed her maiden tour-level title, followed by a stunning run to the Wimbledon final in 2015, where she fell to Serena Williams.However, Muguruza's breakthrough came in 2016 when she triumphed at Roland Garros, defeating Serena Williams in the final. The following year, she added the Wimbledon title to her resume, becoming the first Spanish woman to win the prestigious tournament since Conchita Martinez in 1994.After a brief dip in form, Muguruza regained her momentum in 2020, reaching the Australian Open final. In 2021, she capped her career with a victory at the WTA Finals in Guadalajara, becoming the first Spaniard to win the year-end championships in singles.Throughout her career, Muguruza won 10 WTA singles titles, including two Grand Slams, and ranked as the world No. 1 for four weeks in 2017. She also represented Spain in the Olympics and the Fed Cup, contributing to her country's success in international competitions.Muguruza's retirement marks the end of an era for Spanish tennis. She leaves behind a legacy as one of the most successful female players in her country's history, inspiring a generation of young athletes.