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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – FEBRUARY 19: Garbine Muguruza of Spain looks on against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia during Day Three of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on February 19, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – FEBRUARY 19: Garbine Muguruza of Spain looks on against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia during Day Three of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on February 19, 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Every athlete has a dream scenario they’d like to live in their sport. Recently, former World No. 1 Garbine Muguruza expressed her desire to play mixed doubles with Rafael Nadal in the Olympic Games.
The two-time Grand Slam winner represented Spain at the 2019 Hopman Cup alongside David Ferrer. Therefore, her mixed doubles goal is not as far-fetched as it seems.
Interestingly, Muguruza and Nadal were to play mixed doubles for Spain at the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, as the Spaniard progressed in singles’ and doubles’, he pulled out of mixed doubles.
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Both the Spanish representatives carry an all-court aggressive game; it will be fascinating to see them work together. They could be teamed together again at the upcoming 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
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Rafael Nadal returns a forehand in his match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France on day 5 of the Rolex Paris Masters, part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 held at the at AccorHotels Arena on November 01, 2019, in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Garbine Muguruza also wants to win all four Grand Slams
Apart from being paired with Rafa Nadal, the 27-year-old also wants to pull off a calendar slam. She won her two major tournament titles at the 2016 French Open and 2017 Wimbledon Championships.
As she is bracing herself for the 2021 season, Muguruza revealed the special goals she wants to conquer. She put in a lot of thought before answering the question. “Special? Winning all four Grand Slams, an Olympic medal and playing Nadal mixed doubles at the Games. The most special thing is sharing the successes,” said Muguruza.
She is currently amidst her pre-season in Marbella, Spain. Garbine will start her season at the WTA 500 tournament before heading to Melbourne Park.
Muguruza to play Abu Dhabi before Australian Open
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 01: Sofia Kenin of the United States poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after her Women’s Singles Final match against Garbine Muguruza of Spain> on day thirteen of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 01, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open will host its first edition from January 5 next year. Sofia Kenin and Elina Svitolina will lead the draw at the tournament.
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This could be the perfect kick-starter for Muguruza to be in form for the opening Grand Slam. Earlier this year, the Venezuelan-born finished as the runner-up against Kenin at the Australian Open.
Standing at the 15th place in the world, Garbine would also aim to get ahead in the ranks again. She has been out of the Top 10 players since 2018.
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Hopefully, the 2021 season will show tennis fans the best of Muguruza. She is definitely a contender when it comes to putting on a great show in the coming year.
Also Read: Roger Federer, Serena Williams…: Stars Who May Bid Tennis Adieu in 2021
