"I don't consider myself a favourite" - says 2016 champion Muguruza on Roland-Garros chances

Garbine Muguruza was one of the most consistent players in early 2021 but injury derailed a strong start to the season.

It was a great start to the year by Garbine Muguruza who had several notable results on hard courts so many expected her to be one of the best performers on the red dirt. However, an injury forced her to pull out of Madrid Masters with a less than impressive showing in Rome as well.

She is now playing catch-up in terms of form ahead of a Grand Slam she already won. On being back, Muguruza said:

“Very happy to be back in Paris. Got a lot of good memories here. This is a tournament I love, so let’s see how well I can play.”

The Spaniard won the French Open in 2016 but failed to reproduce similar results in years that followed. This year she is entering the event without much playing time on clay which could prove troublesome. A clear favourite for the event two months ago, she does not feel like one today:

“I don’t consider myself one of the favourites. I feel I have to be humble, haven’t played many matches on clay. I have to take the rhythm of step by step. I like the surface a lot, but I don’t see myself at that level."

Asked about her preparation for the event, Muguruza admitted it was tricky and she still needs to find her rhythm:

“My preparation has been a bit tricky. Physically I’m catching up a bit to get well prepared. It’s still a process, I’ve got to use all my experience. I feel matches will be good for my body, to help me get the rhythm back. Sometimes you can train so much and feel like you’re not really ready until you go out there and perform.”