Garbiñe Muguruza walks away from tennis: “Right now, I have no plans of coming back” | Sports

Garbiñe Muguruza, the former top-ranked tennis player in the world, has been on an indefinite break from the pro circuit since January. In a surprising interview with Women’s Health magazine, she revealed that she is not missing the competitive tennis world at all and is instead very happy. Currently, she has no plans of returning and has not considered next season yet.

Muguruza expressed, “Right now, I have no plans of coming back. My priority is to rest, spend quality time with loved ones, and make up for lost time. I am fully focused on living in the present and taking each day as it comes. As for my break from tennis, I am genuinely enjoying every moment of it. The pressure and constant judgment from the media and experts had taken a toll on me. This break is exactly what my body and mind needed.”

The last match Muguruza played was on January 30, where she lost to Linda Noskova in Lyon, France. Initially, she announced that she would only take a break until the summer, but as time passed, she realized she wouldn’t be competing this season. She needed a complete break from tennis, avoiding anything related to the sport on a regular basis. However, she occasionally plays for fun and stays connected with her player friends. “I am taking a real break and trying to stay away from the courts,” she shared with Women’s Health magazine.

During her break, Muguruza has discovered a love for Zumba dancing, participated in sporting activities like paddle tennis, taken walks, and remained active overall. However, tennis is no longer her primary focus. She has shifted her attention to maintaining her fitness without pushing herself to the limit. “I hit the gym regularly, lifting weights and balancing it out with activities like Zumba, Pilates, yoga, and even boxing for cardio. I now have the time to engage in these activities that I couldn’t do when I was fully dedicated to tennis,” she explained. Muguruza emphasized that she is not concerned about her tennis ranking, which currently stands at number 1,038 in the world.

A Memorable Tennis Moment in Azkoitia

Besides focusing on herself and her well-being, Muguruza has made the most of her time off by attending events like the Seville Fair and the San Sebastián International Film Festival. She has also explored the picturesque Andalusian coast and embraced nature. In July, she traveled to Madrid to receive the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit at the Chamartín Tennis Club. During the event, she expressed, “Taking this break required courage, and it wasn’t an easy decision. However, I am happy that I did it. I haven’t set a specific date for my comeback, but it won’t be this year. I want to enjoy quality time with my family. It’s not a permanent farewell; it’s just a year off to recharge. While I don’t necessarily miss the competition, I do miss the feeling of winning. Right now, my main goal is to rest and unwind.”

Recently, Muguruza was spotted playing tennis in the small town of Azkoitia in northern Spain alongside her father, José Antonio. They inaugurated an indoor tennis facility named after Muguruza, while being surrounded by 250 young players.

When asked about her comeback, Muguruza replied, “I don’t want to think about a specific date because it can be mentally exhausting. I want to come back when I genuinely feel ready.” She no longer seeks the adrenaline rush of being a top athlete. Instead, she cherishes a lifestyle she hadn’t experienced since she left for Barcelona at the age of seven to pursue her tennis career. The only thing she misses is the camaraderie she shared with her fellow tennis players.

Looking ahead, Muguruza has a very special milestone on the horizon. In 2024, she will marry Arthur Borges, her partner of two years. In the meantime, she continues to make decisions based on her own desires and supported by her inner circle. “The decision is solely Garbiñe’s,” they assured. One thing is certain – she won’t be making a comeback anytime soon.

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