Muguruza in recovery mode
WORLD No.3 Garbine Muguruza needs a rest.
The reigning Wimbledon champion is out of the Australian Open and will head straight to Switzerland as she looks to reignite her body for the rest of the year.
The Spanish star was dismissed 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 by Taipei’s Hsieh Su-Wei in searing heat yesterday, requiring a medical treatment for blisters.
She also continues to battle a groin injury that forced her withdrawal from the recent Sydney International. “I think there is something that we have to do better to be able to start the year in a better way, but for now, I will talk with (my team), see what’s going on.
“But I felt today much better, so that’s the good news. Yeah, we will see what we can do.
“I think it’s good to rest after – I have been training a while and training and try to do recover at the same time so that’s a little bit tougher for the body.
“I think I will take some days off and just go back.”
Su-Wei, the world No.88 and coached by former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee, also dashed Muguruza’s immediate prospects of regaining the world No.1 ranking with a Melbourne Park triumph.
A former French Open and Wimbledon doubles champion, Hsieh will meet Agnieszka Radwanska in the next round. She progressed with a 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Lesia Tsurenko.