Garbine Muguruza
ON THE RECORD · 15 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Taking care of the players and looking ahead to what could be safe, comfortable and secure, relocating felt the best decision.”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza explained that relocating the WTA Finals to Indian Wells was the best decision for player safety and comfort.
“Every match could be a Grand Slam final. You really need to be ready. You cannot give one inch.”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza described the competitive intensity expected at the WTA Finals round-robin event.
“What we want is for her to feel good, to go rest, to recover. We don’t want her to feel like she has to play — only if she’s ready to.”
Garbine Muguruza · said 2026-11-07 · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza expressed that the priority was for Rybakina to rest and recover rather than feel pressured to play.
“I spoke to her today, and she really couldn’t recover on time.”
Garbine Muguruza · said 2026-11-07 · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza said she spoke with Rybakina, who was unable to recover in time from physical problems late in the season.
“It clearly felt no longer safe to be in a region where there is conflict,”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza said player safety was the decisive reason the WTA moved the finals from Riyadh to Indian Wells amid Middle East conflict.
“We have the best players,”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza said the round-robin format and depth of the field would ensure a high-quality tournament despite Rybakina's absence.
“We love Elena, and we know that she was feeling so-so in Tokyo as well,”
Garbine Muguruza · said 2026-11-07 · reported 2026-11-08
Tournament director Garbine Muguruza told Reuters she had spoken with Rybakina about her withdrawal due to a viral illness.
“They’re free to do whatever they feel,”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza said the tournament would support players in making their own decisions regarding interactions with Russian or Belarusian opponents.
“We are open and supporting them.”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza said the tournament is open and supportive of players' decisions regarding handshakes with Russian or Belarusian opponents.
“With this year, we have many first-time players in the Finals, and that’s very exciting. It’s very hard to qualify.”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza noted the excitement of having many first-time players qualifying for the WTA Finals.
“I know our world number one is not going to be able to play, but we have an amazing field, the very best,”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza acknowledged the world number one's absence but emphasized the strength of the remaining field.
“Of course, Aryna might be thinking that this can be a good opportunity,”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza suggested Rybakina's withdrawal could create an opening for world number two Aryna Sabalenka to close the rankings gap.
“The whole thing is just perfect.”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza said ticket sales have been strong and described the Indian Wells venue arrangement as perfect.
“Marta is great. She’s had a breakthrough year,”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza praised alternate Marta Kostyuk, who replaced Rybakina after a breakthrough season.
“When we knew that Indian Wells could be the next venue, it was just a joy,”
Garbine Muguruza · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-08
Muguruza said players responded positively to the switch to Indian Wells, where she competed regularly during her career.