"I'm happy to get through this" says Muguruza on slow start vs Cirstea

No.5 seed Muguruza, the 2021 runner-up, survived a tough first set against Sorana Cirstea of Romania before easing to a 7-6(4), 6-1 second-round win in an hour and 27 minutes.

It was another slow start for Muguruza who trailed in the first set prompting many fans to wonder whether she would crash out early in this event as well. Speaking after the match, Muguruza said:

"I feel like I started slow, and she was playing very aggressively since the beginning. I had to bring something different, better energy, better game, so I did. I’m very happy that I was able to go through this tough match."

Muguruza is now 13-6 in Doha throughout her career. The former World No.1 has twice reached the final, in 2018 and last year. In both of those finals, she was defeated by Kvitova. She doesn't know who she will face next as the Spaniard is awaiting the winner of Azarenka and Brengle. If the Belarussian wins, and she is expected to, we will have a strong R3 matchup between two grand slam champions.