VENUS WON’T MAKE MUG OF ME!
GARBINE MUGURUZA says she has the game to beat Venus Williams in today’s Wimbledon final. The Spaniard is adamant she is a tougher opponent than the one who lost to Serena Williams in straight sets in the final two years ago. Muguruza went down 6-4 6-4 in her first major final and admits nerves got the better of her that afternoon. Since then, the 23-year-old has won the French Open and believes she is now equipped to handle the occasion. “I’m feeling pretty good,” said Muguruza, who dropped just two games in thrashing Magdalena Rybarikova in the semi-finals. “I think it’s a good moment right now.
“It goes very fast, so I will try to enjoy. The previous time, you’re so concentrated that you cannot enjoy it as well.
“That last final helped me figure out a way to play better on grass because beforehand, I was not very experienced.
“It was very surprising to reach the final because I thought it would be difficult, but now I know how to play on grass.”
Williams, 37, will become the oldest Grand Slam champion in the Open era if she wins her sixth Wimbledon title and first in nine years. She would take the record off her sister. Muguruza is adamant she will not be playing into her late 30s but is full of admiration for the American.
“For me, it’s incredible,” added Muguruza, who trails 3-1 in their head-tohead meetings but won their most recent encounter in Rome two months ago.
Motivated
“I don’t think I could be 37 and playing at that level.
“She just loves to play and enjoys going out there.
“Venus has achieved many things but is still motivated to go for more.”
Johanna Konta’s conqueror was on the phone to Serena yesterday, looking for
tips on how to beat Muguruza. “I’m sure she’s going to give me some things that will make a difference for me in the match,” said Williams.
“I will try to take the same courage on the court that she would have and try to do the things she would do.
“I don’t know that I play exactly the same way she does. But I really try to be inspired by it.”
Williams has pledged to adopt the same aggressive tactics which blew away Konta against the No.14 seed.
“I’ve never played her on grass, so that definitely becomes a different factor.
“But I want to continue playing like I have in all my matches so far.”