'It has been a fantastic journey' – Muguruza announces retirement from tennis

Garbine Muguruza, the 2017 Wimbledon champion, has announced her retirement from tennis.

The Spaniard, who peaked at world No. 1 in the WTA rankings, also lifted the 2016 French Open at Roland-Garros, beating Serena Williams in the final.

She then defeated Serena’s sister, Venus, in the final at the All England Club the following year, beating the American 7-5 6-0.

Muguruza only turned professional in 2012, and won her first Slam just four years later in Paris.

In her career she won 15 Tour-level tournaments, 10 singles, and five doubles. She also triumphed at the WTA Finals in 2021.

Muguruza, 30, announced her retirement before the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.

She said: “The time has come to say goodbye. It’s been a long and successful career, but I feel the time is right to retire.

“If 25 years ago when I started hitting my first tennis balls someone had told me that I would become a professional tennis player, that I would fulfil my dream of winning Roland-Garros and Wimbledon, that I would become number one in the world and win the WTA Finals, I would have thought this person was crazy.

“Tennis has given me a lot in this first part of my life. It has been a fantastic journey in which I have experienced unique situations. I have travelled all over the world and experienced many different cultures.”