After WTA Finals win, Garbine Muguruza speaks about the future of Spanish tennis & jokes that she has something that Rafael Nadal doesn't
Newly-crowned WTA Finals champion Garbine Muguruza believes Spanish tennis would be in good hands once Rafael Nadal calls it a day. According to Muguruza, Paula Badosa and Carlos Alcaraz have proven that Spain has plenty of talent in the ranks.
Carlos Alcaraz and Paula Badosa have enjoyed standout seasons in 2021. The 21-year-old Alcaraz won his maiden ATP title in July and went on to make his first quarterfinal appearance at a Major (US Open). Alcaraz was also recently crowned champion at the Next Gen ATP Finals.
Paula Badosa, meanwhile, broke into the top 10 this year, climbing more than 50 spots throughout the season. Badosa, who finished as a semifinalist at the WTA Finals, also pocketed the titles at Indian Wells and Belgrade this year.
Speaking to El Partidazo de Cope, Garbine Muguruza highlighted both Paula Badosa and Carlos Alcaraz as the future leaders of Spanish tennis.
"There is a very good future with Badosa and Alcaraz after Nadal; in Spain there is a lot of talent," Garbine Muguruza said.
Muguruza then went on to crack a joke at Nadal's expense, pointing out how she now has a title the 20-time Major champion has never won.
Rafael Nadal has participated in the ATP Finals 10 times but has never managed to lay his hands on the trophy.
"Rafa gives me something, right? You have 20 Grand Slams, but I have something you don't have (laughs)," Muguruza added.
🎾 @GarbiMuguruza, en @partidazocope
🥳 "Hay que celebrar también las victorias, estos momentos son los que hay que disfrutar en equipo"
🍹 "Hubo chupitos, no podía faltar en la ciudad del tequila, no importa la resaca, era el momento para tomar"
📻 #PartidazoCOPE https://t.co/cYlPfPXXVY
"My goal is to win the two Grand Slams that I don't have" - Garbine Muguruza
During her conversation with El Partidazo de Cope, Garbine Muguruza also expressed her desire to win a few more trophies still missing from her cabinet - particularly the Australian Open and US Open titles.
Muguruza has already triumphed at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
"My goal is to win the tournaments that I am missing, the two Grands Slams that I don't have," Garbine Muguruza said. "This year I have been able to start where I left off and I want to continue happier and win more trophies."
The Spaniard spoke in glowing terms about the status of the season-ending championships, pointing out how each match in the event is similar to a Grand Slam final.
"It is a very special tournament, where the best eight are, each match is like a Grand Slam final and although it is less recognized than a Grand Slam, it has a very important value," Muguruza added.