“Not an Easy Decision”: Garbine Muguruza Announces Disappointing News Before Clash Against Sloane Stephens at Mutua Madrid Open 2021

Former World No.1 Garbine Muguruza announced disappointing news just before her first-round match against Sloane Stephens at Mutua Madrid Open 2021. The Spanish stalwart has withdrawn from the tournament after failing to recover from an injury sustained at the beginning of the clay-court season.

Muguruza had retired midway through her third-round match at WTA Charleston back in early April because of a ‘sharp’ pain in her left leg. So to prepare for the Madrid Open, Muguruza arrived in the Spanish capital a week early. But the latest scan showed she hadn’t fully recovered from the injury. So doctors advised her to not play.

“This is the worst news and the most painful decision any player has to make. We have been working hard to recover and be able to get to the tournament in good shape, I came a week before to adapt because I really wanted to do well this year in Madrid, at home, and in front of my home crowd. But the discomfort has returned and the last MRI it has been confirmed that I have not recovered 100% to compete and the doctors’ recommendation is to stop.

Garbine Muguruza low on match practice on clay

Earlier, Muguruza had explained the reason for the injury. According to her, the quick transition between the hard court and clay court affected her body. Muguruza awaited playing in Spain. She was looking forward to featuring in front of her home fans.

“It is not an easy decision, and it is a great disappointment. I want to thank the tournament for all the effort they have made to make it possible for us to have this event this year under these circumstances. Next year I will try again with even more enthusiasm,” Muguruza tweeted.

Muguruza was supposed to face off against Sloane Stephens in the first round. They both are former Grand Slam champions and would have livened up the Madrid Open 2021 early in its infancy.

Read More: “I Am Tired”: Serena Williams Reveals Taking a ‘Quick Break’ From Daughter Olympia