Kerber and Muguruza Struggling This Clay Season

Just like Djokovic (last year’s French Open Champion), and Murray (World Number 1), who are having a rough season on the men’s side, a similar pattern is being played out on the women’s side.

Angelique Kerber (World Number 1), and Garbine Muguruza (last year’s French Open Champion), seem to be facing their own set of problems, which could make their run at Roland Garros shorter than expected.

Kerber seems to be questioning her own ability on clay. After an upset in Rome, Kerber said that she doesn’t feel too well on clay.

“I’m not feeling so well on this surface. I think that my movement is not the best, especially on clay. I think my legs are always important for my game, but I really (am) not feeling so good on (the) clay court.”

It seems like Kerber could be facing a lack of confidence in her fitness, which in turn is leading to a lack of confidence in her game. The ability to move comfortably on clay is one that takes several years to develop, and most players who are comfortable on clay are those who grew up playing on the surface.

Kerber says that she “will try to (go) back home and (think), ‘What can I do to be back in Paris?’ I mean, this is the next big goal.” However, mastering movement on clay is something that will take much more than a couple of days. Kerber will have to think of some other way to up her level at the French.

The Spaniard Muguruza isn’t one to feel uncomfortable on clay courts, since she herself has stated that she has spent ample time on the surface. As the reigning champion, she should be feeling confident and positive about her clay court game and chances at Roland Garros. However, Muguruza seems to be having a below-par season as well, with multiple early round losses.

Muguruza also seems to be plagued with injury this season. Garbine just retired from a match in Rome with a right side neck injury, which she claimed she got while practicing returns with her hitting partner before the match. Muguruza retired in 22 minutes, and this is her fourth retirement of the season.

When it comes to injury, there isn’t really much a player can do except strengthen and rest, but Muguruza doesn’t have that type of time with the main draw of the French Open just a few days away. Muguruza though, says she is confident that she will be able to find her game before the French Open.

There isn’t really much use finding your game if you’re going to end up retiring due to injury, is there?