Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: Garbine Muguruza ends title drought

One might suggest “Third time’s the charm”, but rest assured, Garbine Muguruza’s title victory is all by merit. While chances to lift the Dubai trophy went amiss in 2015 and 2018, Muguruza’s 2021 campaign began with some positive signs. Having produced some of the most sensational tennis on the WTA tour, the Spaniard had gone without a title to show for.
That changed after downing surprise finalist Barbora Krejcikova 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 on a breezy Saturday night in Dubai. Krejcikova, a doubles specialist who was never ranked within the top 50 in singles, was yet to drop a set after sweeping past Jil Teichmann of Switzerland 7-5, 6-2 to reach the Dubai Tennis Women’s final. Seeking her first career WTA singles title, facing the former Wimbledon was one of her biggest matches yet.
Muguruza’s most recent title came at the 2019 Monterrey Open, where she successfully defended her title. While facing defeat to Ash Barty and Petra Kvitova in her most recent appearances in a final, Muguruza made sure not to spurn her shot at a maiden Dubai Tennis title. Talking about playing back-to-back finals, she said: “I feel the consistency is hard to get, but being able to play three finals is a great sign that we are on the right way.”
? First title of the season3️⃣ Final appearances so far? Tour leader in match wins this yearA strong start to 2021 for @GarbiMuguruza! ??#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/iHyZtY7yB9— wta (@WTA) March 13, 2021
The grueling first set could have gone either way with strong service games and amazing rallies and contained two breaks of serve for each player. The second was also tightly contested before Muguruza converted her second championship to claim the match and the title after Krejcikova went along with her forehand shot.
“It is amazing to be here,” Muguruza said. “I have been coming here for so many years and always came close. But it has finally paid off. I am always contending in every tournament, but here I am with the trophy.” While crowds have missed the action in Dubai, Muguruza was all love for her fans across the world and said: “While there are no fans, I know they are cheering me.”