Garbine Muguruza after winning Wimbledon in 2017. (Image: Getty)
Former Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza has been appointed as the new Tournament Director of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The lucrative end of season event, which involves the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams from the season, takes place in Saudi Arabia from November 2-9.
In April this year, Murguza confirmed her retirement at the age of 30, having been plagued by injuries in the latter years of her career.
But the Spaniard, who won the finals herself 2021 when they were held in Dubai, is already back in the sport and will work alongside the WTA, Saudi Tennis Federation and the Ministry of Sport to oversee the tournament for the next three years.
“I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to the future of this great sport as Tournament Director of the WTA Finals Riyadh,” she said, in a released statement. “I know how special this event is for our top players, and I’ve also seen its potential to inspire communities all over the world.
“I’m excited to work with a great team to present a showcase for women’s tennis. This will not only grow tennis but encourage all fans, and especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams.”
Chairman of the WTA, Steve Simon, added: “Garbine is a global role model who understands the power of sport to make a difference to people from all walks of life. I know she will have the best interests of our players at heart.”
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Muguruza retired from tennis in April this year. (Image: Getty)
Mugurza’s distinguished playing career peaked in 2017 after she beat Venus Williams in the final at SW19. Just two months later, she briefly held the No.1 spot in the world rankings.
Her triumph at Wimbledon prover her second and last Slam title, having already overcome the American’s sister Serena in the French Open final the previous year. But as well as her new role, the star can also look forward to marrying a former fan after their romance blossomed in unusual circumstances.
Mugurza met Arthur Borges when she was preparing for a US Open, after he approached her on the street and asked for a selfie. She later explained “My hotel was close to Central Park and I was bored, so I thought I should go for a walk.
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“I go out and I run into him on the street. Suddenly, he turns and says, ‘Good luck at the US Open.’ I was left thinking, ‘Wow, he’s so handsome’.”
The couple got engaged last year, although are yet to confirm a wedding date. In the same month she announced her retirement, Muguruza took on a new role as an ambassador for Laureus Sport for Good.
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