Muguruza struggled with transition after French Open, is 'calmer' now

Garbine Muguruza is taking a new approach to competition, aiming to turn around her subpar play since winning the 2016 French Open.

The 23-year-old from Spain has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. It’s the first time she has won back-to-back matches at a major since her maiden Grand Slam victory.

"I think I'm more, like, calmer," she said following her fourth-round win over Sorana Cirstea. "I'm proud of how I'm acting on the court. [I’m] putting my best effort on the court, try[ing] to be positive. I'm happy with that."

Muguruza acknowledged that she found it difficult to adjust to being one of the top seeds at big events, but is now more accustomed to it.

"The U.S. Open was hard for me,” she admitted. “Since Roland Garros, I [had also] played Wimbledon. But that was like a drama. Yes, [it’s] much better."

Previously, just one point in a match could get her frustrated, she said.

“I'm taking that a little bit from a distance, you know?” the world No. 7 said. “Try to analyze less, just go for the next point—keep in mind only positive messages. I think, basically, simple stuff."

Muguruza will play Coco Vandeweghe in the quarterfinals.