Garbine Muguruza hungry to taste Wimbledon success against Venus Williams

THE first time Garbine Muguruza contested a Wimbledon final, she was schooled by Serena Williams — tonight she intends to turn the tables.

Venus Williams (L) and Garbine Muguruza (R).

THE first time Garbine Muguruza contested a Wimbledon final, she was schooled in the art of grand slam grass court battle by Serena Williams.

The Spaniard craftily used those 2015 learnings to pocket the French Open last year.

And tonight, confronted by evergreen Venus Williams, Muguruza intends on demonstrating how much further she has improved.

Chasing her second major, Muguruza said: “Well that (Wimbledon) final that I did helped me a lot to figure it out a way to play better in grass, because before I was, like, not very experienced.

“Never played a lot of tournaments. It was just a very surprising moment when you reach a final in a tournament where you thought it was going to be difficult.

“Right now I know how to play more on grass.

(L-R) Venus Williams and Garbine Muguruza.

“It’s not a long time ago. I think my mind is more equipped this time because the more experience you get, the more you know how to deal with these situations, because they’re very special.

“If you felt it before, it’s really helpful. So I just have more information about the situation.”

Muguruza, 23, enters the match as underdog against the ageless five-time champion who, at 37 years and 29 days, is bidding to become the second oldest singles champion here.

She also knows the historic context of Williams quest — only Charlotte Cooper Sterry, who was 37 years and 296 days in 1908, was older.

“Well, I think it’s very impressive. I think not everybody can do that,” Muguruza said of Williams’ longevity.

“It goes a lot also with the strength of your body, your style of game.

Garbine Muguruza v Venus Williams in Saturday's #wimbledon final. Here's your ultimate stats guide for the match-up: https://t.co/iOZnljpgmR pic.twitter.com/voFNHwD7wj

— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) July 14, 2017

“For me, it’s incredible. I don’t think I could be 37 and playing that level.

“I think she just loves to play and she enjoys going out there. At least it’s what it shows. Keep playing, even though she achieve so many things.

“She’s still motivated to go for more, which is also very surprising.”

Having tasted the desolation defeat here two years ago and the glory of triumph in Paris, Muguruza has only one objective.

“Well, definitely I want to win, for sure,” she said.

“Is very different to hold the trophy.

“I really felt when I achieved the (Wimbledon) final in 2015, and I won the French Open, I could feel the difference between winning a grand slam and not winning.

“I think it’s a huge difference.

“So I definitely want to be the one who takes the big one.”