June 4, 2016 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Spaniard Garbine Muguruza shocked American Serena Williams Saturday, 7-5, 6-4 to win the 2016 French Open Women’s Singles Championship in just over 90 minutes. With the win, Muguruza captured her first career Grand Slam title and denied Serena a 22nd career Grand Slam in dethroning the defending champ.
"Match point was really weird,” said Muguruza post-match. “Serena was in front of the ball so I didn't know if it was in or out. I looked at the umpire and he doesn't want to say anything. I was like, 'did I win Roland Garros?' When he said, 'Game, set, and match' … it was like … no way. I won. It was amazing."
Muguruza was presented the championship trophy by Billie Jean King. With the win Saturday, Muguruza is now 2-0 against the world number one Serena, both wins coming on the clay courts of Roland Garros
"She's a great player on any surface,” said Serena. “Spain is very lucky to have this unbelievable tennis player. I didn't play the game I needed to win. Garbine played unbelievable."
With the win, Muguruza becomes the first Spanish woman to win the title since Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario did so in 1998. She also climbs two spots in the rankings to number two in the WTA Women’s Singles Rankings.
