Garbiñe Muguruza stepped onto Wimbledon’s court for a fleeting 18 minutes this Wednesday, bidding farewell to a 24-year-old Belgian opponent who marked their first-round clash with a straight-sets win. Gretje Minen, ranked 88 in the world, sealed the match 6-4, 6-0, delivering the sense of an early exit that many players hope to avoid in the Grand Slams. The match had been suspended the day before due to fading natural light, and the 24-hour pause did little to alter the momentum once play resumed, leaving Muguruza scrambling to find her rhythm in time to challenge the result.
Muguruza entered court number 12 already facing defeat, appearing cautious and largely restrained as she navigated the remainder of the proceedings. Her movement on the baseline was deliberate but lacked the spark that once defined her game. She managed to win seven points in the session, while committing 32 unforced errors, a stark indicator of the struggle she faced against a determined opponent who capitalized on Muguruza’s mistakes and tight margins.
Season after season, Muguruza has been a formidable presence on the WTA tour, known for her aggressive baseline play and silverware that includes Grand Slam glory. This year, however, has presented a broader challenge. The Spaniard with Venezuelan roots has battled through a sequence of tough results, reflecting a broader dip in form rather than a decline in talent. The current standings show her within the world’s top ten, yet the year-to-date rankings place her lower, underscoring a shift in momentum. The campaign has included recent disappointments in major events, with exits in early rounds at other Grand Slams. However, even when results have been uneven, Muguruza’s career remains underscored by resilience and the rare ability to peak under pressure in the biggest arenas.