Garbiñe has done us proud
Garbiñe Muguruza has given us all a major lift this summer with her straight sets win over Venus Williams at Wimbledon yesterday. A great achievement that was in the balance when, in the first set she saved two set points trailing 5-4 in the first set. Rarely are key moments so cleanly turning points in the world of sport and from then on she was firmly in control winning nine consecutive games to secure a final 7-5, 6-0 victory. What an achievement for the 23 year old player, who looked elated as she hoisted the silver Rosewater dish trophy. She was the queen of clay a year ago in París and now has repeated the feat, this time on the Wimbledon grass.
Conchita influence
This time there was no wobble, Garbiñe was unstoppable. I've been reliably informed that much of this new found mental strength is thanks to Conchita Martínez (who also won the women's title at SW19 back in 1994 beating Navratilova in the final). She's been with Muguruza at the tournament throughout due to the absence of her coach Sam Sumyk (who is in California awaiting the birth of his child). Conchita, who captains both Davis Cup and Federation Cup sides is becoming a key figure in Spanish tennis and it's great to see her name associated with triumphs and one would hope that this partnership is the beginning of more future success.
All change from 1968
The success levels in Spanish sport have risen now that the shackles of the past have been lifted from women's sport. I recently met Paz Corominas and we reminisced on how Spanish female athletes only competed from the Mexican Olympics (1968) onward with just two females representing Spain at those games, her and fellow swimmer Pilar Lang-Lenton. Today the Olympic teams are represented by an equal amount of men and women with arguably the women's teams being more successful. From some vantage point pioneering Lilí Álvarez who reached three Wimbledon finals in the 1920's will be looking down and smiling. Garbiñe has made us very proud.