In a heartwarming update from the world of tennis, former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza has announced she is expecting her first child with her husband, Arthur Borges. The news adds a beautiful new chapter to a love story that famously began with a spontaneous selfie request on the streets of London.
From a London Street to a Lifetime Together
The couple's journey started in the summer of 2021, not on the pristine grass of the All England Club, but on a bustling London pavement. Muguruza, then at the height of her career and fresh from a victory at the WTA Finals the previous year, was approached by Borges, a Spanish model, who simply wanted a photograph with the tennis star. "He stopped me to ask for a photo," Muguruza later recalled in an interview with Hola! magazine.
That brief encounter sparked an immediate connection. They exchanged contact information and began dating shortly after. Their relationship quickly blossomed away from the intense glare of the tennis tour. In a charming twist of fate, the man who once asked for a selfie became the man she would build a future with. The couple got engaged in the summer of 2022 after a year of dating.
A Fairytale Wedding in Southern Spain
In July 2023, Muguruza and Borges tied the knot in a stunning, romantic ceremony in the picturesque town of Vejer de la Frontera in Cádiz, southern Spain. The event was a beautiful fusion of their styles and backgrounds, described as a "hippie-chic, flamenco, and cowboy" themed celebration.
Muguruza, radiant in a custom-made Galia Lahav gown, was walked down the aisle by her father. The ceremony was filled with personal touches, including a performance of a song from the movie "Titanic" and a heartfelt speech by the groom that moved guests to tears.
The guest list was a who's who of the tennis world, underscoring Muguruza's esteemed place within the sport. Among the attendees were former coach and 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martínez, current Spanish star Paula Badosa, and former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber.
A Glimpse into the Celebratory Details
The wedding was meticulously planned to reflect the couple's personalities. Some of the standout elements included:
- The venue: A beautiful countryside estate with panoramic views.
- The dress: A breathtaking, figure-hugging lace gown with a long train.
- The entertainment: Live flamenco performances that lasted into the early hours.
- The cake: A multi-tiered, floral-adorned masterpiece.
The Pregnancy Announcement on Social Media
The happy couple shared their pregnancy news with the world in a characteristically stylish and intimate Instagram post in early 2024. The black-and-white photo showed Muguruza and Borges in a tender embrace, with the tennis star's baby bump clearly visible. She captioned the post simply with baby and family emojis, letting the powerful image speak for itself.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans and fellow athletes alike. Spanish compatriot and fellow Grand Slam champion Carla Suárez Navarro commented, "What wonderful news! So happy for you both!" The post quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of likes, a testament to Muguruza's enduring popularity.
A Champion's Career on "Pause" for Motherhood
Muguruza's pregnancy comes during what she has termed an "indefinite break" from professional tennis. After a challenging 2023 season, she announced she was stepping away from the tour to spend more time with her family and her new husband. She has not played a competitive match since January of that year.
In a recent interview, she reflected on this new chapter, stating, "I’m very happy in this new stage with my husband. I’ve never been away from tennis for so long, and I’m enjoying it. I’m not missing the discipline and the pressure of the tour. I’ve given a lot to tennis, and now it's time for me to have a personal life."
This break marks a significant shift for a player known for her fierce competitiveness and powerful groundstrokes. Muguruza's career highlights are nothing short of spectacular, cementing her place as one of the best players of her generation. Her most notable achievements include:
- Winning the French Open in 2016.
- Capturing the Wimbledon title in 2017.
- Finishing as the WTA World No. 1 in 2017.
- Winning the WTA Finals in 2021.
Looking Ahead: Family, Future, and a Possible Return
While Muguruza is fully immersed in her personal life, she has not officially declared retirement. The tennis world will undoubtedly be watching to see if the former champion feels the pull of the court once again after starting her family. For now, however, her focus is squarely on her health, her marriage, and the impending arrival of their child.
The story of Garbiñe Muguruza and Arthur Borges is a modern fairytale that resonates far beyond the baseline. It’s a reminder that life's most meaningful moments often come from the most unexpected encounters. From a champion being stopped for a photo to a pregnancy announcement celebrated by the global tennis community, their journey is a testament to love, new beginnings, and the beautiful unpredictability of life after sport.
As she embarks on this new adventure of motherhood, her fans and colleagues wish her nothing but joy and happiness. The same determination and grace she displayed on the tennis court are sure to guide her in this exciting new role.