Highlights of Garbine Muguruza’s breakthrough season in 2012 – Tennis Special
Garbine Muguruza gathered fame after her stupendous run at the Sony Ericsson Open at Miami.
The 19-year-old Spaniard was awarded the wildcard entry into the event. She made full use of that opportunity; overpowered the experienced personnel including Vera Zvonareva and Flavia Pennetta in the second and third round respectively.
In the fourth round, the 110th ranked Spaniard started well but could not carry the momentum against the Wimbledon finalist, Agnieszka Radwanska, who was seeded fifth in the tournament.
However, the cameo was good enough for Muguruza to catch the eye of many viewers across the globe. She is a promising act and definitely one for the future years.
Commenting about her performance at Miami, Muguruza said, “I was really happy to take part in such a big tournament. Finding me on court against talented players like that, and with such a different atmosphere to what I'm used to, was one of the best experiences
of my life. The most nerve-wracking moment came in my first match. Once I got through the first round I felt more comfortable and was able to play my game.”
A reporter asked the Spaniard whether she expected such a major breakthrough in 2012. Muguruza replied, “To be honest, I didn't. You never know how you are going to finish the year, not until the last tournament is over, but I always want to do the best
I can. Anything can happen over the course of a season.”
The Spaniard has a unique origin. She was born in Venezuela which was her motherland but her father belonged to Spain, the place where she grew up and developed interest in playing professional tennis.
However, the teenager is not at all like her compatriots and possesses. She fires in big serves and contains a good combination of ground strokes as well. Moreover, she likes to play at hard courts compared to other Spanish athletes who penchants clay courts.
The second breakthrough run for the Spaniard was witnessed in the Grand Prix De Sar where she started as a qualifier and reached the quarter-final stage of the tournament. She was expected to overcome her fellow quarter-finalist Kiki Bertens as well but
the early onslaught from the Dutch sunk her confidence.
She took part in the French Open and Wimbledon qualifying round but couldn’t succeed in advancing into the main round of any tournament. However, she was awarded straight entry into the first stage draws of the US Open at New York but received a tough draw
against the 10th seed Sara Errani, hence, couldn’t advance any further.
All in all, it was a memorable year for the teenager who promises to deliver even better in 2013.
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