Garbine Muguruza retires in Beijing opener, cites illness
By Harry Floyd
Garbine Muguruza retires during the second set of her Beijing opener. She withdraws, allowing Barbora Strycova to advance.
Garbine Muguruza is out of the 2017 China Open.
Somewhat unexpectedly, the top seed at this week’s WTA tournament retires during the second set of her opening match. Muguruza leaves while trailing Barbora Strycova 6-1, 2-0.
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As the new world No. 1 in women’s singles tennis, the Spanish-Venezuelan tennis star is a favorite down the stretch. She has two titles on the year, including a Grand Slam win at Wimbledon.
Garbine Muguruza tells the press that she picked up a virus during the Wuhan Open last week.
It is disappointing to have the top seed and world No. 1 out so early at the China Open. Muguruza appeared visibly dejected in the post-match presser where she told reporters that she picked up a virus last week in Wuhan.
At the Wuhan Open, the world No. 1 fell to French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals. Believing she had enough time to rest and recover, Muguruza took days off from practicing in order to rest up for action in Beijing.
Also seeing an exit from the China Open is former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber. As the No. 10 seed this week, Kerber notched a win in her opener but fell in the second round to Alizé Cornet of France. Cornet takes their match in straight sets, winning 6-4, 6-4.
While the China Open is a bit of a stumble for Garbine Muguruza, there is no doubt that she remains one of the, if not the player to beat on the WTA Tour. When fully healthy, the two-time Grand Slam champion plays as any world No. 1 should. The WTA Finals Singapore are right around the corner and Muguruza will look to bounce back and recover as quickly as possible. Stay tuned to see how the action unfolds at the rest of the 2017 China Open in Beijing.