FORMER WIMBLEDON champion Garbine Muguruza has retired from tennis at the age of 30.
Muguruza, who was born in Venezuela but represents Spain internationally, announced her decision to quit at a press conference in Madrid.
The former world No.1 beat Venus Williams 7-5 6-0 on Wimbledon’s Centre Court to lift the ladies singles championship in 2017.
This came more than a year after her maiden Slam success at the 2016 French Open where she beat the mighty Serena Williams on Parisian clay.
She was also defeated by American Sofia Kenin in the final of the 2020 Australian Open in Melbourne.
For several years, she was coached by fellow countrywoman Conchita Martinez, who lifted the Wimbledon crown in 1994.
Muguruza, 30, said: “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.
“I’m tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped and accompanied me throughout this chapter, because without them I would not have been able to get here.”
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Muguruza had been on an extended break from tennis and hasn’t competed in over a year.
When announcing her initial break, she cited her reasons as wanting to spend more time with her family.
Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Madrid Masters, causing uncertainty about his next tournament appearance before next month’s French Open.
