Two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza has opened up about her training with special groups of Spain’s Civil Guard police force during her off-season and the ‘ugly truth’ about dealing with migrants coming into Europe.
Muguruza underwent military training with the Civil Guard after her French Open exit in October last year. She took part in helicopter rescue missions, cave diving and self-defence classes in Mallorca.
ALSO READ Tim Puetz injured during freak on-court accident
“It was an incredible week,” Muguruza told reporters at the Abu Dhabi Open. “I’ve always wanted to do military training, ever since I was a kid, but the timing was never right with playing tennis.
“Just sharing with them the kind of job that they do – they don’t get any awards or trophies – it was such an experience.”
Sharpen your backhand with our FREE guide
The 27-year-old said that seeing migrants make sea crossings from Africa was the toughest challenge when she worked with the coast guard.
“It was quite hard because you see many people in need,” she added.
ALSO READ: Alexander Zverev becomes a father at 23
“I experienced many aspects of the job and I found this one pretty tough. I love all the adventure stuff, but there is an ugly truth that they have to face and it really opened my eyes.”
Garbine Muguruza ended her title drought on Saturday as she won the Dubai Open.
ALSO READ: Dip in prize money affecting motivation, admits Elina Svitolina
The former world No. 1 claimed her eighth career WTA title as she defeated surprise finalist Barbora Krejcikova 7-6 (6), 6-3. The Spaniard had last won a WTA trophy at the 2019 Abierto GNP Seguros in Monterrey.
