Garbine’s biggest challenge
NEW YORK: For most women at the US Open, overcoming Serena Williams is the biggest challenge.
But for Garbine Muguruza, coping with the unique demands of New York City outstrip any worries over the 22times Grand Slam champion.
The Spaniard beat Williams to win the French Open for her first Grand Slam title this season and could take over the world No 1 spot from the American this fortnight.
The 22-year-old Muguruza, born in Venezuela, raised in Spain and now a resident of Geneva, is a fan of country life and knows New York presents a very real challenge.
“I feel this tournament is the most tricky tournament because there is obviously a lot of things,” Muguruza told reporters at Flushing Meadows.
“There is always traffic. There is always noise, people. I don’t know. Everything takes a lot of energy.
“For whatever reason, it is more complicated, just because it’s more a big city, huge city, huge everything. I’m not that city girl.”
Muguruza has never gone beyond the second round in three visits to New York, but as a Grand Slam champion she knows she has the ability to go far.
Reaching the final could see her overtake Williams, but Muguruza said the prospect of becoming No 1 did not add pressure.
“For sure, it would be an incredible achievement,” she said. “I don't even know what I have to do, I’m not really thinking about that.
“I’m just thinking what I have to do to keep winning my rounds and my matches, and hopefully get to the last match and win it.
“But I think it will be incredible.”
Muguruza, who plays Belgian qualifier Elise Mertens today, said the buzz about the top ranking had picked up as Williams’s hold on the No 1 spot had weakened.
“I feel the discussion is much louder because there is more movement (in the rankings),” the Spaniard said.
“There are a couple of players who can reach No 1. So that creates a little bit of juicy comments. I feel it a little bit, but I guess it’s normal.”
Muguruza experienced
Football
a quick let-down when she lost in the second round at Wimbledon, but said she had been working hard on all areas of her game.
“I think I’m playing well,” she said. “I think I'm improving, getting stronger, getting more experience.” – Reuters