Garbine Muguruza revealed she cried after Serena Williams announced retirement as she used to look up to the Williams sisters and draw inspiration from them. Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus are by far the most successful sister duo in WTA history.
Growing up, Muguruza’s mother used to tell her that the Williams sisters were the proof that it was possible to overcome all the challenges and become successful. Now, 28-year-old Muguruza is a two-time Grand Slam champion and has been the top-ranked player in the world.
“I really cried when I saw the news because she inspired many of us. I’m one of those girls that started in a very difficult sport, playing tennis, having zero options to become a tennis player. And I remember my mom always saying, ‘Look at these sisters and they made it.
Look how fearless they are. You have to be like them,” Muguruza said in a video for the WTA. “And, well, thanks to her, I became the player I am.”
Muguruza, Cori Gauff pay tribute to Serena Williams
Gauff, 18, is one of the most promising and talented players in the game right now.
Gauff feels Williams is the big reason why the game is played today the way it is. “Serena is definitely tennis, I would say. The way that she’s changed the game. If you look at from when she started her career and how people are playing, to now when she’s ending it and how people are playing.
I think that massive change is due to her. No one was doing it like her and I dont think anyone will ever do it like her,” said Gauff. Gauff, who reached her first Grand Slam final at this year’s French Open, grew up idolizing Williams. Before the US Open started, Gauff said she would like to play Williams in her final tournament.
