Garbiñe Muguruza explains the magic of playing in Mexico

Garbiñe Muguruza is in group "Teotihuacán" at this year's WTA Finals and began her campaign with a bang against Karolina Pliskova, falling in a close 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6) battle, thrilling the crowd with her fighting spirit.

Muguruza is not from Mexico, but many would have thought she was a Guadalajara native as fans quickly got behind the Spaniard. The 28-year-old discussed what the on-court ambience following the match:

"I knew it that in Mexico and the crowd was going to be like that. Latin people really cheer, they are behind you. In this case they were behind me a little bit more," she told press.

"When I found out that the Finals were going to be here, I felt very happy because the environment," Muguruza said. "Because I played here before, I was like, ‘Okay, I know it's going to be fun, I know it's going to be people out there. Tennis is something that they don't see every day.’

"I think this is just a proof that they could make more tournaments here because people are really looking forward."

Coached by countrywoman Conchita Martinez, Muguruza led by a break in the final set but ultimately came up short against her fellow former world No. 1 in just under two and a half hours on court.

"I'm actually proud of my fighting spirit because it was a long match. Yeah, just happy with my performance in general, even though I lost."

Muguruza will have an opportunity to get on the scoreboard on Friday when she takes on this year's Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova.