Muguruza has call to make over parents

Maria Sharapova in action against Serena Williams.Maria Sharapova in action against Serena Williams.
Maria Sharapova in action against Serena Williams.

Superstitious Spaniard Garbine Muguruza could ban her parents from attending the most important match of her life after setting up a Wimbledon final against Serena Williams.

The 21-year-old told her Venezuelan mother Scarlet and Spanish father Jose Antonio to stay away from her semi-final, where she won 6-2 3-6 6-3 yesterday against Agnieszka Radwanska.

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A first grand slam title match looms for Barcelona-based Muguruza, who said it felt like a dream and headed away from the All England Club to speak to her parents about tomorrow’s final, and the prospect of their presence.

They wanted to witness the semi-final but abided by Muguruza’s wishes when she pleaded with them to stay at home.

Only two weeks ago, Muguruza lost to Britain’s Jo Konta in the third round at Eastbourne, and she had never gone beyond the quarter-finals of a grand slam before.

Williams recorded her 17th consecutive victory over Maria Sharapova to reach her eighth Wimbledon final.

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Australian and French Open champion Williams moved closer to the calendar grand slam by storming past Sharapova 6-2 6-4 – 11 years after losing to her biggest foe in tennis in the final at SW19.

Coach Patrick Mouratoglou insisted in advance that Williams’s dominance means there “is not really a rivalry” and the American vindicated that claim to book a showdown with Muguruza.

Muguruza pulled off a stunning upset to defeat Williams 6-2 6-2 in the French Open’s round of 64 in 2014 – a loss still fresh in the American’s mind.

“She actually beat me before – she made me improve so she has me on my toes,” said Williams after her semi-final triumph.

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“She’s a really good player, she obviously has what it takes.

“I got a little nervous today, but I’m really excited to get through that.

“I think she (Sharapova) played really well, but when she stepped up her game I was able to step up mine as well.”

ends