Australian Open: Garbine Muguruza to play Sofia Kenin in women’s final
Garbine Muguruza has seen the high’s and low’s of tennis, and will look to make the most of her return to a grand slam final when she takes on Sofia Kenin in the Australian Open final.
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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.
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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 the 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.
“You try to just keep it calm. I'm sure the right moment there's going to be a big celebration. For now, it's keep it calm.”
Despite losing to Kenin in China last year, Muguruza hopes the experience of three previous major finals – she lost the 2015 Wimbledon final to Serena Williams – will be an advantage.
“I think it has an experience because it's something that not a lot of players can feel it,” she said.
“But at the end the racquet has to speak out there.
“Doesn't matter how many grand slams you have. It's a tennis match. Even if you have 15 grand slams, you go out there and you have somebody that can beat you.
“I'll take into consideration my previous experiences, but doesn't guarantee anything.”
Kenin, 21, is utterly fearless.
Contesting only her 12th major, the combative baseliner appears undaunted by the looming occasion.
“First I'm just going to be enjoying the moment. You don't experience this so often.,” she said.
“Of course, I'm going to enjoy it. This is so exciting. Literally butterflies.
“I'm just going to also focus on what I need to do, focus on my game.
“I got here, it's time to shine, do the best I can. Like I said, hopefully do something more special.”
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Kenin is aware of Muguruza’s terminal power off both flanks – and the need to defuse the Spaniard’s weaponry.
“Of course I want to do the first punches,” she said.
“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.
“Of course, defence is obviously going to help.
“Hopefully I can use what I did in Beijing to help me.”
14-SOFIA KENIN (US) V GARBINE MUGURUZA (SPA)
SOFIA KENIN
Age: 21
Residence: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Ranking: 15
Career prizemoney: $4.2 million
Grand slam titles: 0
Career titles: 3
Australian Open record: 7-2
Career win-loss: 77-50
Coach: Alex Kenin
GARBINE MUGURUZA
Age: 26
Residences: Barcelona, Geneva
Ranking: 32
Career prizemoney: $28.5 million
Grand slam titles: 2 (Wimbledon and French Open)
Career titles: 7
Australian Open record: 27-7
Career win-loss: 343-194
Coach: Conchita Martinez
HEAD TO HEAD
Kenin leads 1-0
2019 Beijing, hardcourt, Kenin 6-0 2-6 6-2