“It’s Tough”: Garbine Muguruza Reveals the Challenges of Virtual Training in the Absence of Coach Conchita Martinez

It is a tough time for the entire world due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus has severely impacted tennis as well, and many players are suffering in one way or the other. One such player is 2-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza as she is playing at the Qatar Open 2021 without her coach Conchita Martinez.

Conchita Martinez is not present in Doha as she tested positive right before the tournament. However, even in her absence, Garbine Muguruza recently defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16 of the Qatar Open 2021. She will now face Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinals of the event.

After her win against Veronika Kudermetova in the first round, she claimed that although the virus has made her training sessions challenging, she is practicing with her coach virtually. Conchita is watching her practice sessions live and giving her the required feedback.

“It has been a challenge, but I guess everybody has to, you know, to go through this virus with all of this traveling. I feel like sooner or later, you know, we are always exposed, so it’s always tough to find a way and to have a member of the team in quarantine,” said Muguruza in the post-match press conference.

Muguruza also mentioned that she is making full use of technology. She disclosed that she often puts on earbuds during her training sessions so that she can hear her coach while hitting.

“With technology, I feel like we are trying to do our best. She’s always with us, watching my practices and on my ear kind of with my beads. I connect them and I can hear her,” added the former World No.1.

“We are finding a way”- Garbine Muguruza

The Spanish player admitted that it was tough to train with the earbuds; however, she admitted that she has to adapt to the conditions in order to succeed. She also said that she and her coach are trying to find a better way for her to train.

“I even practiced one day, part of the practice with the earphone and, you know, just tried to have a laugh also out of all this, because it’s tough and we have to adapt all the time to every circumstance. But so far we are finding a way,” concluded the 2-time Grand Slam winner.

Even though Conchita is not present in Doha, she’ll be proud of the way Muguruza is playing. Her fans are also happy and want her to go on and lift the Qatar Open 2021 title.

Will Muguruza be able to beat Sakkari and advance to the semifinals of the tournament?

Also Read: Garbine Muguruza Speaks on Partnership With Her Coach Conchita Martinez