Unlikely finalist on brink of glory

Kilimanjaro-climbing Muguruza eyes further conquest

GARBINE Muguruza knows what it’s like to savour grand slam glory.

As the only contemporary player to have beaten both Serena and Venus Williams in major finals, the 2016 French Open and 2017 Wimbledon champion is well versed in ultimate achievement.

But the Spaniard has also experienced the sport’s deepest troughs, evidenced by depressing first-round defeats at Wimbledon and the US Open last year.

When the silky right-hander fell ill in Hobart and withdrew and then dropped the opening set of her first round match with Shelby Rogers 0-6, the chances of her reaching the Australian Open final were astronomical.

Six wins later, Muguruza is back where she belongs as she prepares to face American 14th seed Sofia Kenin in today’s Melbourne Park final.

“Was a tough journey,” she said, referring to the difficulties of 2019, which included splitting from coach Sam Sumyk before a soul-searching climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in the off-season.

“Not every day you are going to play a final of a grand slam. I think it’s something very unique.”

Now collaborating with Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, Muguruza hopes she has the momentum to continue against Kenin.

“Definitely the mission is to get away from here with a big trophy,” she said. “But big or small celebration, it’s incredible achievement.

“It really depends of how you’re feeling. I believe in myself that I have what it takes to play these kind of matches and to be in this stage.”

Kenin, 21, is fearless. Contesting only her 12th major, the combative baseliner appears undaunted by the occasion.

“I don’t want to be in defence against her. She can really put the ball away.

“She’s really aggressive. So I feel like it’s going to be who’s controlling the points more, who is dictating.”