Over the past few months, we have seen many tennis stars calling time on their illustrious careers. The likes of Rafael Nadal and Danielle Collins are nearing the end of their careers after giving retirement updates. Spanish tennis star Garbine Muguruza joined a host of players in announcing her immediate retirement just minutes ago. She said, “I feel I am ready to retire, to open this new chapter in my life. A new era, a new life.”
The former World Number 1 revealed her decision during a press conference that she had called for. Muguruza hasn’t played since January 2023 and has decided to officially quit the sport. Following her retirement, she intends to spend quality time with her friends and family, away from the competitive world of tennis.
Garbine Muguruza has officially announced her retirement from tennis pic.twitter.com/P2kMVHj6OD
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) April 20, 2024
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Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam champion, suffered from inconsistent form towards the far end of her career. In the last Grand Slam tournament that she played at, the 2023 Australian Open, the Spaniard lost in the opening round. After she played her last match in Lyon that year, Muguruza took an indefinite break from the sport to focus on her mental health.
Furthermore, she also focused on her personal life and got engaged to Arthur Borges in last May. Although tennis was a top priority for Muguruza for years, she made a shocking revelation about the sport that eventually led to her retirement decision today.
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Garbine Muguruza let tennis go off the radar
Following her decision to take a break from the sport, the Spanish star never intended to make a comeback to it. While she enjoyed her time off the court, Muguruza made clear her intentions about a potential tennis comeback.
She said to Tennis.com, “Tennis has no place in my routine. I still follow my peers, and from time to time I still play, but not intensely, more for fun. It doesn’t occupy my mind, my day, or my routines. I’m really taking a real break and trying to stay away from the courts.”
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The retirement decision was imminent after Muguruza announced yesterday that she’d have a press conference today afternoon to reveal a big career update. The update was on the expected lines, with the 30-year-old showing no signs of a comeback.
With Muguruza just 30 years old, it can be seen as an untimely retirement, given the massive potential that she carried. However, she had other priorities and decided to officially announce her tennis retirement. Muguruza had given her all to the sport during the prime days but felt that the time had come to make the imminent decision. We wish Muguruza a happy retirement!