It was the year 2013. Rising Spanish star, Garbine Muguruza was up against Serena Williams in the second round of the Australian Open that year. In what proved to be a one-sided affair, Serena got the better of her Spanish opponent in straight sets. Moreover, Serena inflicted a bagel on Muguruza in the second set of that match.

The very next year, Muguruza got her revenge. She caused a massive upset as she knocked out the top seed Serena in the second round of the French Open. The Spanish star is one of the few players who has matched Serena in head-to-head battles against her. In the six matches played between them, Muguruza and Serena have won three apiece. Recently, Muguruza opened up about taking inspiration from the American legend.

Garbine Muguruza talks about Serena Williams’ influence on her career

The two-time Grand Slam champion described how Serena overcame all odds and the lessons learned from her. She said, “It didn’t matter where you come from, whether you’re from South America or anywhere else, whether you’re white, Black or Asian. Your origins and the color of your skin weren’t important.”

Further, she went on to add, “What mattered was that power Serena transmitted. She has left her mark on all of us. Many of us have identified with her, either because of her story or because of the message she has conveyed, which always went beyond the court.”

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Concluding her remarks, Muguruza said, “Her heart is what has really influenced me. It has often made me train harder and motivated me to keep going.”

Muguruza enduring a difficult 2021 season

The 28-year-old hasn’t had the best season of her tennis career this year. Earlier this year, she made it to the quarterfinals at the Sydney Tennis Classic and the Qatar Open, which happen to be her best results this year.

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Moreover, her best result at Grand Slam tournaments this year has been a third-round appearance at the recently concluded US Open.