French Open Women’s Final

We didn’t’ know it when the tournament started, but this was the final we were hoping for!  The tremendous all-court skills and power of both Serena Williams and the winner by 7-5, 6-4, Garbine Muguruza, were on full display in this one.  The difference between this loss and others in Williams’ past was that she was matched for power and outhit.  Muguruza also covered the court incredibly well and served big when it counted.  The only thing apparently missing from Muguruza’s arsenal is the drop shot, which she did not use at all in this match, but which would have been quite effective.   Garbine also double faulted a bit more frequently than she would like, and this problem was not due only to the intimidating return of Serena – she double faulted rather frequently throughout the tournament.   

One of Muguruza’s most impressive features was her ability to stay calm.  When serving to stay in the match at 3-5 in the second set, Williams saved four match points.  For a player like Muguruza, who had never before won a major, to come so close in that game but still fall short, the situation must have been incredibly nerve wracking.  Yet she stayed the course and served it out, winning the match on an amazing lob.     

What will Muguruza accomplish now that she has gone the distance in a major and come through in such a highly pressured situation?  In addition to her fabulous talent she now has experience.  The two-word answer to that question is easy: Look out!