Muguruza aims for new start with former coach Conchita Martinez

Garbine Muguruza is aiming to get back towards the top of the game with a new coach in the new season.

The two-time Grand Slam champion split with Sam Sumyk following a first-round defeat at Wimbledon, and recently started with Conchita Martinez, who coached her to her 2017 victory at Wimbledon. In March 2018, Muguruza and Martinez parted ways, with Martinez then working with Karolina Pliskova.

"I'm happy to start a new season, start afresh," Muguruza told ABC. "I'm starting with Conchita, and I'm happy to have her by my side. We get along and have known each other for many years. We've shared some good moments and I'm eager to train, to start winning matches again and get back up."

Muguruza worked with Spanish Fed Cup captain Anabel Medina Garrigues since Wimbledon, earning just one victory in five events. Her highlights this year including reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open and French Open and winning Monterrey—still a lot less than she has achieved in previous seasons.

"I needed a new point of view," she said.

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But despite a poor season, the Spaniard says she has learned to react better to defeats, and her desire to compete is still high.

"You have to keep up your energy, keep practicing," the 26-year-old said. "The important factor is that your motivation doesn't decline. It's difficult, it's always hard, but you try to have a different perspective. You don't have to make a huge deal, because straightaway, there's another tournament."

Muguruza wants to get back to competing for Grand Slam titles, but says she is first aiming to improve her level of play.

"The circuit is very even. I don't view myself as very far from where I've been. You have to recover your level in the important moments, get wins in a row, and avoid injuries,'' she said.

The former No. 1 started the season at No. 18 but is now No. 35.