Garbine Muguruza says she has “no intention” of returning to competitive tennis

Former world No. 1 Garbine Muguruza hasn’t competed since January amid an indefinite break from tennis.

And that’s likely not going to change anytime soon, as the Spaniard recently revealed that she has “no intention” of returning to professional tennis courts—at least not for the moment.

“As of today I have no intention (to return to competition),” Muguruza told Women’s Health, speaking during a Zumba instructors’ event last month in Malaga. “My plan right now is to sleep, rest, be with my loved ones, make up for lost time...

“I don't look beyond what I'm doing today, tomorrow and this week.”

Muguruza’s last match took place at a WTA 250 event in Lyon, where the then world No. 82 fell in straight sets to qualifier Linda Noskova. But the two-time Grand Slam champion’s struggles date back to 2022, a season in which she won back-to-back tennis matches on just two occasions—a surprising drop-off, after Muguruza finished the 2021 season by clinching the WTA Finals trophy in Guadalajara.

The 30-year-old announced in April that she would be taking a break from competition in favor of spending the time resting and recharging with friends and family, and became engaged to Arthur Borges in May.

In the meantime, Muguruza has been trying out new things. She’s taken her love for Zumba to the next level, attended the San Sebastian International Film Festival and rang in her 30th birthday in style. The only thing she’s not doing? Playing tennis or getting anywhere near a tennis court.

“Tennis has no place in my routine,” Muguruza revealed. “I still follow my peers, from time to time I still play but not intensely, more for fun. It doesn't occupy my mind, my day or my routines. I'm really taking a real break and trying to stay away from the courts.”

But that doesn’t mean she’s not keeping up with the game—or with her fitness. Muguruza admitted to watching tennis regularly and following her peers’ progress during tournaments, and says that she hasn’t strayed from her training during the break, although she is enjoying lighter workouts without the added pressure of having to be “match ready”.

“I go to the gym regularly, as many times a week as possible,” Muguruza said. “I love doing weight training, completing the cardio part with Zumba, Pilates classes, yoga, boxing...

“I’m taking advantage of doing all the things I didn’t have time to do when I was training for tennis.”

Muguruza is currently ranked No. 1038, having dropped out of the Top 200 in June.