A Wimbledon champion who met her husband on the street in New York has announced she is pregnant. Garbine Muguruza, who won the women’s title at SW19 in 2017, first encountered her husband, Arthur Borges, when he stopped her to ask for a selfie in August 2021, around the time of that year’s US Open.
The Spanish ace not only obliged but struck up a relationship with Borges. Explaining the chance meeting that would change her life, Muguruza said: “My hotel was close to Central Park and I was bored, so I thought I should go for a walk. I go out and I run into him on the street. Suddenly, he turns and says, ‘Good luck at the US Open.’ I was left thinking, ‘Wow, he’s so handsome.'”
After getting together, Borges popped the question and they got married in Spain in October last year. Now, they are expecting their first child together. In a post on Instagram, Muguruza shared a picture of her sporting a bump captioned with the word “family.” Fans and tennis personalities were quick to offer their congratulations.
Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, the ex-fiancée of Ryder Cup hero Rory McIlroy, posted: “Congratulations!! Sending you all the best on this new incredible chapter.”
Current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Spain BJK Cup captain, Carla Suarez, were also among the tennis figures to send congratulatory messages. Muguruza, who won the French Open in 2016, formally retired from tennis in April last year with the intention of starting a family with Borges.
She said at the time: “People expect a great answer from me, I’m leaving tennis because I’m going to do this or that, I’m going to go into business, I’m going to develop a cookie, whatever it is.
“No. I’m leaving tennis because I’m looking forward to being with my loved ones, making a trip without my tennis rackets, probably building a family, getting a dog. I just want to do nothing.”
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Despite that plan, Muguruza remains heavily involved in tennis as the director of the WTA Finals Riyadh. On accepting the role in June last year, she said: “I feel very privileged to be able to contribute to the future of this great sport as Tournament Director of the WTA Finals Riyadh.
“I know how special this event is for our top players, and I’ve also seen its potential to inspire communities all over the world. I’m excited to work with a great team to present a showcase for women’s tennis that not only grows tennis but encourages all fans, and especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams.”
