Muguruza not bothered by retirement title win in Monterrey

Garbine Muguruza says winning by retirement didn't take away from her title victory at Monterrey, and she's back playing at a high level again.

The 25-year-old from Spain beat Victoria Azarenka when the Belarus retired down 6-1 3-1 in the final. Each player has won two majors.

It's Muguruza's first title since winning the same tournament in 2018.

"It's a special feeling to win again," she told press in Spanish. "Yes, the final was strange, but... a tournament is not one match, but five.

"I'm very happy with this week. You could say today was the best level I've had, it's going up and that's good."

It's also her first successful defense of a title.

"It's not easy to defend a title," she said. "I have enjoyed having the people behind me this week.

"The public has an influence and affects me when I'm playing. I think that's why I've won twice here."

She'll be looking to build on her momentum during the claycourt season, having played inconsistently since reaching the 2018 French Open semifinals.

The title keeps Muguruza at No. 19 in the rankings.