Former world No 1 announces major change to her coaching team
Two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza is leaving no stone unturned as she looks to return to form.
Just a week after announcing that she will miss this year’s clay-court and grass-court seasons as she is taking an extended break from tennis, the Spaniard has announced that she has parted ways with her long-term coach Conchita Martinez.
1994 Wimbledon champion Martinez has been coaching her compatriot on a full-time basis since 2019 and during that time Muguruza finished runner-up to Sofia Kenin at the 2020 Australian Open and also won the 2021 WTA Finals.
However, the Spaniard has struggled in recent months and has slipped outside the top 100 in the WTA Rankings.
Martinez confirmed on Twitter on Thursday that they have mutually agreed to go their separate ways.
“Garbiñe and I have decided by mutual agreement to end our employment relationship,” the former world No 2 wrote.
“These have been fantastic years, full of great emotions and wonderful experiences, both on and off the track. It has been a pleasure working with you, Garbiñe. I wish you the best #friendship.”
Garbiñe y yo hemos decidido de mutuo acuerdo terminar nuestra relación laboral.
Han sido unos años fantásticos, cargados de grandes emociones y maravillosas vivencias, tanto dentro como fuera de la pista.
Ha sido un placer trabajar contigo, Garbiñe.Te deseo lo mejor #friendship pic.twitter.com/mCSc9AHFvG— Conchita Martínez (@conchitamartinz) April 12, 2023
Muguruza herself added a simple caption to her Instagram Story: “The best and only @conchita_martinez ❤️ Thanks for everything.”
Muguruza and Martinez’s highs
The Spanish pair first linked-up on a part-time basis at Wimbledon 2017 as Muguruza’s coach Sam Sumyk was absent and it turned into a masterstroke as Muguruza went on to win the title, defeating Venus Williams in straight sets to lift her second Grand Slam trophy.
However, it wasn’t until November 2019 that Muguruza and Martinez started working together full time and the move paid off instantly as the former finished runner-up at the Australian Open in January 2020.
After failing to reach another final in 2020, Muguruza hit form again in 2021 as she reached five finals – winning three titles including the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships and the season-ending WTA Finals – resulting in her returning to No 3 in the WTA Rankings.
Slumping in 2022 and 2023
However, the Spaniard has struggled since the start of the 2022 season as she failed to make it past the third round of all four Grand Slams last year while this year she fell in the first round of the Australian Open.
After also losing her opener at the Lyon Open in February, she took a break and will no remain sidelined until at least the summer.
