"You get to know different players and you never know who’s going to win": Garbine Muguruza shares passion on current state of WTA tennis

Garbiñe Muguruza may have stepped away from life on the WTA Tour, but at this year’s Madrid Open, she remains right at the heart of the action, embracing a new challenge as Tournament Director alongside Feliciano López.

Catching up with Tennis Channel later in the event, Muguruza admitted it had been a whirlwind experience so far. “Thank you, it’s nice to see you too. I know, I’ve been really running around. This is a very big event, a very social event, you know how Spanish people are. No, it’s been amazing, it’s been amazing, very busy and I’m excited about this new role, it’s amazing.”

Having spent years on tour as one of the game’s biggest stars, the transition from player to organiser has brought a fresh perspective, even if it comes with its own challenges. “Oh, I don’t know. No, I mean it’s really nice now to be still part of the family but on the outside, you know, and helping and learning how to balance everything and making everyone happy. I don’t think it’s possible.”

The Madrid Open has long been known for its unique atmosphere, blending elite tennis with a vibrant, festival-like setting, and Muguruza is keen to keep pushing that forward. “Well, I mean this tournament is always trying to innovate. Now with my new role, I think that together we’re stronger, me and Feli, you know, taking care of all the players, making everything better, improving all the fan zone and just giving the best experience. This is a Masters 1000 that a lot of players love and soon another stadium is coming. It’s going to be amazing, so yeah, always looking forward.”

Off the court, Madrid’s famous hospitality remains a highlight, even for someone as disciplined as a former Grand Slam champion. “No, no, but that’s, I work out so I can do a lot, so the food in Madrid is next level.”

This year also marks a significant milestone in Muguruza’s career, a decade since her breakthrough Grand Slam triumph at Roland Garros, where she defeated her idol Serena Williams in the final. The memories remain as vivid as ever.

“Oh, what memories? I remember being very nervous, very nervous because I knew the magnitude of the moment. I knew that that was a match, historical match. I was playing my idol Serena Williams in French Open. I don’t know if you know how important French Open is for the Spanish people. This is like our tournament, I don’t know why it’s playing in Paris, we should play here. Listen, it was a dream come true and I just feel the adrenaline. If I still remember, I get nervous still.”

That victory was followed by another iconic triumph at Wimbledon the following year, further cementing her legacy. “Yeah, I mean those were my best victories. Always playing against the Williams sisters, which I loved because for me, the value of playing against them is even higher, it means more to me. So yeah, I mean, it’s almost 10 years, 10 years from French Open and nine from Wimbledon. Really, it feels like yesterday. The time is absolutely flying.”

Life away from the tour has brought new priorities, with Muguruza now embracing motherhood. “He’s well. He’s very cute. He’s starting to be fatty, he has like little rolls. He’s smiling, he’s the best baby. I mean, I’m so lucky. My mom keeps telling me, ‘you’re very lucky, he’s a very good baby’, you know? No, he’s great, he’s great.”

Balancing her new role with family life is now the focus, with Muguruza relishing the chance to slow things down when the tournament ends. “Well, you know, now with my baby, I’m going to try to focus on family and my dog and just spending time home. This has kept me very busy, so I can’t wait to go back home, play with my baby and just, you know, do normal things.”

Despite stepping away from competition, she remains closely tuned into the women’s game, which she believes is entering an exciting and unpredictable phase. “It’s very mixed, as you said. You never know who’s going to win the tournament. Lately, obviously, Sabalenka has been dominating the game. Rybakina has been the one challenging her all the time. So it’s really open, it’s very competitive. You almost can’t have a bad day, you know, if you have a bad day, someone else is going to come and win. It’s not clear at all, which is very exciting for the fans. You get to know different players and you never know who’s going to win.”

And for anyone visiting Madrid, Muguruza has one simple recommendation when it comes to experiencing the local culture. “Tortilla de patatas. That’s it, tortilla de patatas.”

As she continues to shape the future of one of tennis’s biggest events, Muguruza’s passion for the sport, and for Madrid, remains as strong as ever.