(Reuters) – Gusty winds and showers are forecast throughout the French Open but come rain or shine Spaniard Garbine Muguruza says she is ready for whatever the next fortnight has in store.
Venezuela-born Muguruza won the title in 2016 and Wimbledon a year later and returned to form at the start of this year when she reached the Australian Open final.
She might be ranked 15th but Muguruza has undoubted Grand Slam credentials and with the clay courts likely to play heavy and slow, her natural power could come to the fore.
The 26-year-old certainly will not be moaning about the autumnal weather either, despite being more used to playing with the sun on her back.
“I’m not surprised because also in April I think, when the (claycourt) tournament’s normally happen, the weather can be like this,” she told reporters on Friday.
“I played many years where the tournament was a little bit rainy and grey. I went well. I’m not too concerned about the weather. I know it’s going to be tricky. But I’m excited to be here. I look at it in a positive way, the fact that they can still make another Grand Slam happen.”
Muguruza warmed up for Roland Garros with a strong run in Rome where she beat Coco Gauff, Johanna Konta and Victoria Azarenka before losing a tight semi-final against fellow former French Open champion Simona Halep.
She is back with coach Conchita Martinez and, after a brief lull in her career, appears to be heading up again.
“I think I’m in a good place right now,” Muguruza, who will open her challenge against Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek, said.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis)
