Watch: Muguruza Expects Turnover At Top

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Watch: Muguruza Expects Turnover At Top

Garbiñe Muguruza anticipates turnover at the top of the rankings in 2018.

The third-ranked Spaniard, who trails world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki by 1,835 ranking points, says she isn't fixated on the chase for the top spot because she believes fierce competition will see players swapping spots in the rankings.

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"Last year, I was kind of more aware of that," Muguruza told Sport 360 in this video interview before her Dubai opener. "This year I'm trying to be a little bit less because I know already since last year now with the type of game and the players there's going to be a lot of movement, I feel, so I don't want to be thinking every tournament what are every options for this and for that.

"Also because I already was number one last year it's less dramatic. I just know there's always a chance and that's fine for me."

Martina Hingis famously summed up the pressures of playing with the world No. 1 ranking next to your name.

"It's always easier being the hunter than the hunted," Hingis said.

Muguruza became world No. 1 on September 11th and held down the top spot for four weeks.

The Wimbledon champion said the pressure of defending No. 1 can be alarming.

"I'm here I cannot go more up all I can do is go down," Muguruza said of competing as world No. 1. "All these girls want my spot and you have to defend it. You have like this alarm all the time.

The two-time Grand Slam champion calls sustaining No. 1 "the hardest one" and admits the top spot carries its own complications.

"It is important," Muguruza told Sport 360 about the chase for the top spot. "I always have it in my mind to be able to fight for that. I remember it was a great feeling to be there even though it's tough. I want to fight for that. I know it's the hardest one, but I'm going to be there trying for it.

"When you're number one, you feel like every tournament you play, you almost have to win it. And maintain a super-high level because everyone you play is super relaxed, nothing to lose and you feel a lot of pressure. I think it's a lot of things to control."

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

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