Garbine Muguruza feels positive vibes ahead of Australian Open

World no. 15 Garbine Muguruza is preparing for another strong Australian Open run in February, reaching the title match in 2020 and hoping to make an extra step in seven weeks.

The Zayed Sports City's International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi will host UAE's first WTA 500 event from January 5-13. The Spaniard is among the title contenders, together with Sofia Kenin, Elina Svitolina and Karolina Pliskova. Muguruza will use Abu Dhabi as the best preparation ahead of the Australian Open, competing on a high level in Melbourne a year ago to advance into the fourth Major final, losing it to Sofia Kenin.

It was the best result of the season for the Caracas native, and she feels motivated to embrace another impressive start of the season, working hard during the offseason and waiting to show that in Abu Dhabi and Melbourne.

"I feel I am back again, and I am looking forward to the entire excitement of being at a new event and a new season. I am glad we will have the crowd at the Australian Open, and right now, I feel motivated and happy to be part of it all. I am not concerned about these times now, as we make a comeback to normal tennis on the Tour, with everyone doing a great job putting this swing together.

There is a lot of attention to the little details like staying put in the room and training with the same partners. I have to prepare for that before heading to Melbourne. The team is putting everything together, and Tennis Australia is doing a great job. I know we will all be safe," Garbine Muguruza said.