Garbine Muguruza has spoken with the Spanish media about her 2016 preparations as she winds down from a breakthrough season.
The 22-year-old finishes the season at third in the WTA Rankings, 18 places higher than her year-end ranking in 2014. This year she has become the first Spanish woman since 2000 to reach a final of a Grand Slam tournament when she set up a final showdown with world No.1 Serena Williams at Wimbledon (Williams won 6-4, 6-4). At the China Open Muguruza claimed her first WTA Premier title when she defeated Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinszky in straight sets. In her final tournament of the year, the 22-year-old reached the last four of the WTA Finals in Singapore before losing to eventual champion Agnieszka Radwanska.
After a successful season, the Spaniard discussed her off-season her off season plans. Muguruza confirmed that she will train in Los Angeles with her coach Sam Sumyk. Discussing her reason behind training in America, the 22-year-old said the climate is better suited for Australia than her home country.
“I’m a person of the world, who likes to travel, and I think the climate there is more similar to that in Australia I find that I can find in the middle of December in Barcelona.” Muguruza said.
The first tournament for Muguruza in 2016 will be the Brisbane International, which will get underway on January 3rd. Joining her at the event will be Maria Sharapova and Sam Stosur. There is also a chance that the world No.3 could play another tournament before the Australian Open.
“Now I do not know if I will play two tournaments. Brisbane, yes, and then depending on the outcome we will see”. The 22-year-old said.
Muguruza has also enjoyed success on the doubles tour this year by claiming two WTA titles and reaching the finals of the WTA Finals will partner Carla Suarez Navarro. Speaking about playing in both the singles as well as the doubles, Muguruza has admitted that it is getting harder for her. Despite this, she still intends to continue playing in doubles tournaments with the goal of participating in the Rio Olympics.
“If you want to be on top, each party has to be one hundred percent, you cannot allow bad days and you cannot afford to say that I’m tired. Of course we will play some tournaments, but with more organization. The objective is to be at the Games in Rio”. Muguruza was quoted by marca.com as saying.
Muguruza ends her season with a win-loss of 41-19 in the singles and 25-13 in the doubles, earning her $4,938,308 in prize money.
