I wasn't happy after my WTA Finals victory": Garbiñe Muguruza opens up about her early retirement
A two-time Grand Slam champion, the Spaniard candidly explains the reasons that led her to end her career. Between clarity, disillusionment, and a need for freedom, she opens up like never before.
Garbiñe Muguruza is only 32 years old, but it's already been over a year since she left the tour. The former world No. 1, a two-time Grand Slam winner (Roland Garros 2016 and Wimbledon 2017), chose to end her career in April 2024 after the 2022 and 2023 seasons fell short of her ambitions.
A guest on the Tennis Insider Club podcast, the Spaniard looked back on her decision to hang up her racket after only twelve years on the WTA tour:
"I was always a good player, but I felt I wasn't in the place I deserved. I had a lot of pride. I wondered why things weren't working anymore, if there was something I could change.
After winning the WTA Finals (2021), I felt relief. It was something new. I was exhausted instead of being happy. I knew the pre-season was about to start, that the Australian Open was on the horizon with all the pressure that comes with it. I started to suffer even though I had just won one of the biggest titles.
I thought I needed two weeks of rest. But I felt guilty about stopping, so I came back, before taking a real break. Before, I had no life outside the court. Once I started to have one, it opened my eyes.
People asked me why I retired so young. I wasn't injured, I just wanted to start a new chapter, start a family, live my life. I felt like my life was just beginning. Once I made my decision, I felt better, I was free.
