NEW YORK—Garbine Muguruza’s 17th win since the start of Wimbledon was just
the first of her already illustrious career inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. But
given the 23-year-old's commanding form and general acceptance as US Open
favorite, expect the third-seeded Spaniard to add to both totals this
fortnight.
Muguruza began her quest for a third Grand Slam singles title in the same way
she wrapped up last month's Wimbledon final, with a 6-0 set. In early July,
she overpowered Venus Williams, to the shock of the Centre Court patrons; in
late August, she dominated Varvara Lepchenko to the shock of absolutely no
one.
If Muguruza isn’t a morning person, she didn’t show it today. (“Being from
Spain, this is too early for me,” the Spaniard said of the match's 11 a.m.
start time.) The third seed established control of points from the baseline
and in the front court, playing aggressively—but with margin—from the
onset. And when break chances came her way, Muguruza didn’t let them slip,
converting three of four in the first set. Given no lifelines, Lepchenko
ceded the opening set in just 21 minutes.
“She started a little bit nervous, and I started very well,” said Muguruza,
in the most charitable way you can describe a set of shutout tennis.
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Garbine Muguruza, Wimbledon champion, had far too much offense for Varvara
Lepchenko to handle on Monday in Arthur Ashe Stadium. (AP)
NEW YORK—Garbine Muguruza’s 17th win since the start of Wimbledon was just
the first of her already illustrious career inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. But
given the 23-year-old's commanding form and general acceptance as US Open
favorite, expect the third-seeded Spaniard to add to both totals this
fortnight.
Muguruza began her quest for a third Grand Slam singles title in the same way
she wrapped up last month's Wimbledon final, with a 6-0 set. In early July,
she overpowered Venus Williams, to the shock of the Centre Court patrons; in
late August, she dominated Varvara Lepchenko to the shock of absolutely no
one.
If Muguruza isn’t a morning person, she didn’t show it today. (“Being from
Spain, this is too early for me,” the Spaniard said of the match's 11 a.m.
start time.) The third seed established control of points from the baseline
and in the front court, playing aggressively—but with margin—from the
onset. And when break chances came her way, Muguruza didn’t let them slip,
converting three of four in the first set. Given no lifelines, Lepchenko
ceded the opening set in just 21 minutes.
“She started a little bit nervous, and I started very well,” said Muguruza,
in the most charitable way you can describe a set of shutout tennis.
#GameSetMattek: Bethanie Mattek-Sands speaks with the stars at the US Open.
With a disastrous set behind her, Lepchenko settled down and tried to answer
some of Muguruza’s offense with some of her own. The southpaw’s forehand
has caused problems for players in the past—she’s reached the third round
at every major, including a fourth-round showing here in 2015. Lepchenko made
progress with it today as well, aiming for and down the lines.
But against an in-form Muguruza, all that meant was that Lepchenko simply
kept pace. The inevitable separation began with Lepchenko serving at 2-3. In
that game, Muguruza won a point after an exchange of moonballs, then won a
point with a forceful volley, then won a point with her signature pace. She
showcased the total package that has helped establish herself as the tour’s
leading attraction, very much deserving of the US Open's largest venue.
“I sweat, I don’t give any ball [up],” said Muguruza after a 6-0, 6-3 win
that was never in doubt despite an exchange of late second-set breaks.
It’s only Day 1, but Muguruza already looks the part of a champion. From her
chic visor designed for adidas’ top pros, to her grunt that exudes both
effort and confidence, to her shots—the most striking aspect of all—
Muguruza has it all right now. It was only her first victory in Arthur Ashe
Stadium, but during this year's US Open, it will almost certainly not be her
last.