Muguruza highly praises the chaotic state of the WTA: full of suspense, which is exactly the most wonderful aspect of women's tennis.

As the Riyadh WTA Finals rage on with young talents and elite players competing for supreme glory, the familiar face of 2021 champion and two-time Grand Slam winner Muguruza from Spain expressed her distinct views on the current women's tennis scene. Having retired last April, she does not look back nostalgically but rather celebrates this unpredictable new era with an open and appreciative mindset.

In the interview, Muguruza first identified her favorite to win the year-end finals: Sabalenka, who has already secured the year-end No.1 ranking. She keenly noted that unlike last year, when Sabalenka was burdened with the pressure of defending her top spot, she is now completely free from that stress. "There’s no longer last year’s worries or burdens, no more doubts about holding onto the No.1 ranking. Because of this, I see her as the favorite to win. Perhaps this year belongs to her." Muguruza’s insight reveals a deep understanding of a top player’s mental state from someone who has been there.

However, her praise extends beyond just one player. She especially admires the fact that four different players have won Grand Slams this season: Keys at the Australian Open, Gauff at the French Open, Swiatek at Wimbledon, and Sabalenka at the US Open. Muguruza specifically mentioned Swiatek’s breakthrough on grass: "Even Swiatek herself was surprised to win Wimbledon, but her style truly adapts well to grass courts." This statement not only affirms Swiatek’s versatility and evolution but also hints at the diverse and adaptable playing styles of today’s top players.

Compared to the past era dominated by a few superstars taking turns holding the throne, Muguruza openly expresses her fondness for the current era of fierce competition:“I like the current situation, which is different from the past when the same players monopolized the titles. I enjoy seeing new faces emerging. You can never predict who will win.”

This is probably the deepest feeling shared by all tennis fans, especially those following women’s tennis. Every tournament, from the first round to the final, is full of uncertainty. Dark horses run wild, and upsets happen frequently—it’s no longer news but the norm. This huge suspense grips the audience from the very start. According to Muguruza, this is not a sign of disorder but a brilliant proof of such a high-level competitive landscape: “I think this level of competition is truly exciting.”

Muguruza’s comments carry significant weight. As a former world No.1 who has won two Grand Slams and a year-end championship, she knows the strength required to dominate an era and understands how difficult it is to stand out among many talented players. Her praise honors top stars like Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Gauff, as well as players like Keys, Vondrousova, and Krejcikova who have created miracles with their unique styles.

Her viewpoint reveals a fundamental shift: today’s WTA Tour has no absolute underdogs and very few unbeatable champions. Victory depends not only on overwhelming talent but also on tactical execution, mental toughness, and form adjustments during matches. This flourishing diversity creates a healthier, more competitive, and more entertaining tennis ecosystem.

While the eight leading women battle on the Riyadh courts for the final major title of the year, Muguruza’s analysis off the court provides the best insight into understanding this thrilling spectacle. A story where you can never guess the next chapter—that is perhaps the purest and most captivating charm of sports. This is exactly what Muguruza appreciates about the golden era of women’s tennis.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)