“Showed His Essence”: Garbine Muguruza Lauds Rafael Nadal’s Tenacity During Australian Open 2022 Finals

Garbine Muguruza is a two-time Grand Slam champion from Spain. A former World No.1, she also has 10 career titles to her name, most importantly, the WTA Finals 2021. Hence, the 28-year-old Spaniard is not a stranger to the tour. She has overseen quite a few incredible highs and some very challenging lows in her career.

Garbine Muguruza has only praises for fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal

Muguruza revealed she had not missed watching the men’s singles final match at the Australian Open 2022, where her compatriot, Rafael Nadal, was playing against the World No. 2, Daniil Medvedev, for yet another shot at history.

“Oh my God, what a match. I saw him start in the morning and I went and came back and went and came back. It was a legendary match. It was really impressive. I think Rafa showed his essence in that match. He is tough, strong, everything. I think that was a perfect example that he is the best to turn a match around, fight and stay there. It was incredible,” she said.

The feeling of respect and admiration is mutual when it comes to Nadal and Muguruza. Muguruza became the first Spanish woman to win the WTA Finals in 2021. Nadal did not forget to congratulate her for her achievement while at the celebrations for the tenth anniversary of his Foundation. “I am happy for Garbiñe. What she has achieved is a milestone in our sport and a joy for Spanish tennis. I congratulate her,” he said.

Muguruza is over the Australian Open 2022 experience

The current World No. 6, who is defending her title at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, did not have the perfect start to the year as she lost in the second round at the Australian Open 2022 to Alizé Cornet.

Also read: Garbine Muguruza, Simona Halep, Coco Gauff, and Danielle Collins Take Spotlight in Star-Studded WTA Dubai Open Draw

“I was disappointed. It took a couple of days back home [to get over it],” Muguruza admitted. But she said that she had a positive attitude and started asking the right questions.

“I’m like, ‘Okay, how I’m going to shake things up? How I’m going to come back stronger?’…  It’s always disappointing to lose in a Grand Slam that early. But I moved on. I’m here. This is a good tournament. It’s in the past already,” she added.

She mentioned that it was a gratifying feeling coming into the tournament as the defending champion. Muguruza also clarified that it was better to be a target than a nobody because that would push one to do better.

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