Holder keeps promise to enjoy herself
Garbiñe Muguruza has made a promise to herself to enjoy her Wimbledon experience, irrespective of the pressures that come with being the defending champion.
The Spanish world No.3 loves everything about the All England Club.
From the immaculate lawn courts, to the sleek all-white outfits… “You see every detail. Every flower is perfect. You don't see a flower that is ugly. Everything is taken care of,” she said ahead of her opening match.
On Tuesday, opening play on Centre Court as the ladies' title holder, Muguruza certainly looked the part. Donning a preppy buttoned-up top and with her laser-focused game face on, Muguruza was clinical in her 6-2, 7-5 victory against British wild card Naomi Broady.
In front of a buoyant crowd that roared each time Broady fended off a break point – the home favourite bravely saved eight of 11 – but also showed respect for last year’s champion, Muguruza revelled in the electric atmosphere as she advanced to the second round.
“[It felt] incredible,” Muguruza said after her victory, her 16th from 20 contested at Wimbledon, where she was also runner-up in 2015.
“It’s a beautiful court, I’m back and I’m thinking to win and actually enjoy it this time more.
“I knew she had a big serve and big shots and on grass it’s always difficult. The crowd was very fair and I really enjoyed it.”
Winning Wimbledon, she said, had changed her life, though it was hard for her to identify exactly how.
"For sure it did, but I don't know what specifically," she said. "I think as a tennis player, when you win Wimbledon, I think it's winning the best tournament. Your mind is like, 'I won Wimbledon, priceless'. Of course, it's a Grand Slam. The repercussion of winning Wimbledon has a big impact."
The youngest active multiple Grand Slam winner on the women’s tour, Muguruza has a knack for stepping up at the majors.
Since winning the 2016 Roland-Garros crown, the 24-year-old Spaniard has accumulated an 82.1 winning percentage at the Slams (a 32-7 win-loss record), compared to her 66.7 per cent winning rate in her first 13 majors.
She loves the big stage and can bring out her best when it matters the most. Against Broady in her opener on Tuesday, that skill was evident from the start.
Muguruza saved the sole break point she faced throughout the match, kept her winner count high (18) and error tally low (10) and efficiently won 80 per cent of her first-serve points.
When Broady upped the ante in the second set, Muguruza still kept her cool. Muguruza’s next test is a second round clash with world No.47 Alison van Uytvanck, who defeated Polana Hercog 6-2, 6-2.
"I practiced in French Open with her," said Muguruza of the Belgian. "I played against her, but a long time ago. I think she's a very talented player. I think she actually likes grass. Like all the matches in this surface, it's a little bit unpredictable. I'm looking forward to keep what I'm working on, feeling prepared."
