Garbiñe Muguruza holds the distinction of being the only athlete to defeat both Serena and Venus Williams in separate Grand Slam finals. Her professional trajectory, defined by aggressive groundstrokes, culminated in a world No. 1 ranking. Across her career, she secured ten WTA Tour-level singles titles and claimed victories at the French Open and Wimbledon before her retirement.
Early Development and Transition
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1993, Muguruza began playing tennis at three years old on the courts of Mampote in Guarenas. Her early training took place within the context of her family's move to Spain when she was six. She eventually enrolled at the Bruguera Tennis Academy in Barcelona, where she trained alongside her brothers to pursue professional tennis ambitions.
Professional Breakthrough
After turning professional in March 2012, Muguruza gained momentum at the Miami Open, where she defeated established opponents including Vera Zvonareva and Flavia Pennetta. Her presence in major tournaments grew significantly by 2014. At that year's French Open, she reached her first major quarterfinal by defeating the world No. 1, Serena Williams, in a significant early-round upset.
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Muguruza reached her first major final at Wimbledon in 2015, losing to Serena Williams. She returned to claim the 2016 French Open title and subsequently won the 2017 Wimbledon Championships, overcoming Venus Williams in the final. Her ability to compete at the highest level was further solidified by a victory at the 2021 WTA Finals and a runner-up performance at the 2020 Australian Open.
Doubles and Retirement
Beyond her singles career, Muguruza performed in the doubles circuit, primarily partnering with Carla Suárez Navarro. The pair won five titles and reached the 2014 French Open semifinals. Following a period of inconsistent play and ankle surgery in earlier years, she concluded her professional singles career in January 2023, formally announcing her retirement from the sport in April 2024 at age 30.
Fast facts
- Born: 1993, Caracas
- Citizenship: Spain and Venezuela
- Professional debut: 2 March 2012
- Major titles: 2016 French Open, 2017 Wimbledon
- WTA Finals title: 2021
- Singles titles: 10
- Doubles titles: 5
- Retirement: April 2024
Questions readers ask
How many Grand Slam singles titles did she win?
She won two Grand Slam singles titles: the 2016 French Open and the 2017 Wimbledon Championships.
What was her highest ranking in singles tennis?
She achieved the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles during her professional career.
Did she compete in doubles matches?
Yes, she won five doubles titles and was a runner-up at the 2015 WTA Finals, mostly playing with Carla Suárez Navarro.
Achievements
- Worked as tennis player
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