Top 10 Quotes of 2021: Garbiñe Muguruza’s Guadalajara delight

9. Magic in Mexico

Even before the WTA officially announced Guadalajara, Mexico as the WTA Finals host city in September, former World No. 1 Garbiñe Muguruza was already making it her mission to qualify. The Venezuelan-born Spaniard—then No. 8 in the Race—was thrilled at the prospect of competing in front of a Latin American audience.

With coach Conchita Martinez at her side, the 28-year-old posted some of her best results in recent years to eventually make qualification a reality. In March, Muguruza reached back-to-back finals in the WTA 1000 in Dubai and the 500 event in Doha, and took home her eighth career trophy at the latter.

When Steve Simon said that Guadalajara was an option, I was like, 'Oh, my God, are you sure?' You mean Guadalajara, Mexico, right, not another Guadalajara? I was so nervous to make it happen. Now I want it even more. Garbiñe Muguruza

Bolstered by the Guadalajara news, Muguruza shook off a mid-season slump and injury to return to the winners’ circle again at the 500-level event in Chicago one week later.

“When Steve [Simon, WTA CEO and Chairman] said that Guadalajara was an option, I was like, 'Oh, my God, are you sure?' You mean Guadalajara, Mexico, right, not another Guadalajara?” Muguruza told press during Media Day. “I was so nervous to make it happen. Now I want it even more."

Muguruza’s joy was evident from the moment she touched down in Mexico, for more than just her first Akron WTA Finals Guadalajara appearance since 2017. This was the first time that Latin America was set to host the end-of-year event, and she was determined to put on a show for the fans. She delighted the crowd by speaking in Spanish and wearing a Mexico national team football jersey, and they reciprocated by pumping her up during every point.

"It's always great to play the WTA Final, but it’s not the same for me playing China to playing Latin America,” Muguruza explained. “It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That had a big effect on me.

“It's great because in Latin America, women's tennis is not a priority. Now people can see it. I feel like it's kind of something that now it's possible. It seemed impossible, and now it's possible.”

With the lively Mexican fans firmly behind her, Muguruza surged to her biggest title in four years after defeating Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 7-5 in the final. As a result she surged back into the Top 3 in the WTA Rankings, closing out the season on a high and poised for even bigger results in 2022.