The young talents of the tennis world have frequently left everyone in awe! Among them, the most notable ATP players include the current World No. 1 and No. 2 players, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Defying all odds on and off the court, both have impressed the tennis community with their ability to overcome every challenge, be it their injuries or overthrowing the legends of the sport from the top rankings. Appreciating their exceptional talent, the retired WTA player, Garbine Muguruza is also full of praise for them!

The former world number one knows the adversities as well as the glory of success that tennis brings with itself. The 30-year-old player, who won 2 Grand Slams has suffered from a host of injuries throughout her career, ultimately putting her racquet to rest earlier this year. Therefore, when it comes to understanding the strength and resilience players need to keep performing their best, match after match, the Spanish tennis sensation knows how hard it can get. 

Sharing her own experience on-court and comparing it to the current top players, she stated, “When I was 20, I won one and then lost in the first round, then in the third… It was a disaster. But I am amazed at this generation. From such a young age, they are machines.” She also delved into Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open victory against Alexander Zverev, stating, “He arrived half injured, which I didn’t know and then, little by little, he gained confidence. I saw Zverev as dangerous, but Carlos is outstanding. I love the energy, I get excited when I see Carlos sticking out his fist.”

As Muguruza pointed out, Alcaraz suffered from an arm injury in Miami and had to skip Monte Carlo, the Madrid Open, and the Italian Open. He finally got back in his rhythm in Paris. And he did it with grace, after winning the Indian Wells title, the 21-year-old was on fire in the Roland Garros and rightfully earned the 3rd Grand Slam of his career. However, he is not alone. Jannik Sinner’s historic feat (first Italian player to reach No. 1) to climb up the No. 1 spot in tennis by overthrowing Novak Djokovic is also commendable. 

Referring to his calm demeanor on-court, Muguruza stated, “Sinner is super calm, on the other hand you see Carlos and he is euphoric all the time, I love it. I see them so young and already winning so much.” Much like Alcaraz, the Australian Open champion’s journey was also plagued by injuries. Especially his mid-match retirement in Madrid due to his hit injury further added to his struggle. 

However, he came back in the French Open and reached the semifinals, ultimately losing to Alcaraz. Garbine Muguruza herself has faced a similar struggle in her career. Be it withdrawing from tournaments due to her ankle problem (2015), or having a foot injury that led to the end of her 2016 campaign, Muguruza’s struggles also speak volumes about her residence. However, her days of struggles in tennis are over now as she is “enjoying” her time away from the spotlight.

Garbine Muguruza explains how she will “always feel tennis”

In April this year, Garbine Muguruza announced her retirement from tennis, breaking the hearts of her fans worldwide. The former Wimbledon champion was enjoying an extended break away from tennis before finally confirming her retirement this year. Stating her wish for the future, she stated, “I’m leaving tennis because I’m looking forward to being with my loved ones, making a trip without my tennis racquets, probably building a family, getting a dog. I just want to do nothing.”

However, during her latest interview, the former French Open winner confessed, “The word ex-tennis star sounds strange to me, in the end I am still involved in tennis, the difference is not to compete. I will always feel tennis, it’s what I identify with. I am happy, enjoying this time doing other things, it is as I imagined it, everything very well, “

Muguruza, who turned pro back in 2012 further explained how she feels “lucky” to have played tennis. Nevertheless, as she finds her new goals in life, her unwavering spirit in tennis will remember journey in tennis for ages, much like Alcaraz and Sinner’s.