The dynamic Spanish duo of Garbine Muguruza and Conchita Martinez have announced the end of their partnership.
The split brought an end to a fruitful collaboration that saw Muguruza lift the prestigious 2017 Wimbledon trophy. The split, described as a mutual decision, marks the conclusion of a partnership that has been a prominent feature of the tennis world for the past several years.
Martinez initially stepped in as a temporary coach for Muguruza during the 2017 Wimbledon Championships, substituting for Sam Sumyk, who was unavailable due to personal reasons. The pair quickly formed a strong bond, and in November 2019, Martinez officially took on the role of full-time coach. Together, they enjoyed numerous successes and shared memorable moments on and off the court.
In recent times, however, Muguruza's form has seen a decline, prompting her decision to skip the upcoming clay and grass seasons. The split was announced by Martinez on social media, where she expressed her gratitude for the time they spent together.
"Garbiñe and I have decided by mutual agreement to end our employment relationship. These have been fantastic years, full of great emotions and wonderful experiences, both on and off the track. It has been a pleasure working with you, Garbiñe. I wish you the best."
In recent months, Muguruza was struggling with her form and eventually announced an indefinite break from tennis. The Spanish player lost all of the last six matches that she played, winning only two sets. She dropped to 131st place and it doesn't look like she plans to return to the sport anytime soon, especially after the split with her long-time coach.
During their tenure, Martinez's guidance and experience were invaluable assets for Muguruza. As a former Wimbledon champion herself, Martinez was able to impart her wisdom to her protégé, propelling Muguruza to new heights in her career. The Spanish pair's collaboration has undeniably left an indelible mark on the tennis world.