Garbine Muguruza details why Rafael Nadal may have been reason she was labeled rebel

Garbine Muguruza thinks Carlos Alcaraz is much more open in sharing his honest thoughts and feelings than Rafael Nadal and also revealed that she suspects the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s reserved nature may have been a reason why some thought of her as “a rebel.”

When the current world No. 3 started drawing major attention to himself in 2022, it didn’t take long before the constant Nadal comparisons started. While neither of the two liked those conversations very much, it is safe to say now that those comparisons made sense since the 21-year-old already has four Grand Slams and has been ranked at the world No. 1 spot a couple of times.

Also, Alcaraz quickly established himself as a fan favorite wherever he goes and fans are absolutely in love with what he brings to the table game and personality-wise. However, the same can be said for Nadal because the 22-time Grand Slam champion will go down as one of the most beloved tennis players ever.

But Muguruza says there is one thing in which those two aren’t the same.
“There are moments when we think a lot about what we say, especially so that it doesn’t backfire. But I like to say what I think. Rafa is more reserved in that respect. I like Carlos, I see him more confident, younger, speaking more and saying what he thinks. And I believe people also appreciate that and not measuring your words so much,” the former two-time Grand Slam champion told Esquire.

Muguruza thinks Nadal’s personality impacted the ‘rebel’ label that was placed on her
While the 30-year-old Spaniard achieved Slam success and reached the world No. 1 spot early in her career, back in Spain some took an exception with her personality.

“I don’t know why I’ve been labeled as rebellious and misunderstood. Maybe it’s because on the boys’ side it’s been very quiet thanks to Rafa. By showing a little more happiness or anger and not being so emotionless, I’ve been branded as a rebel, but I haven’t felt like that at all. I’m a very emotional person on court, you could see it on my face,” the 2017 Wimbledon winner explained.

Meanwhile, Muguruza decided to officially confirm her retirement in the spring after previously taking an abrupt break from tennis in early 2023 after starting the year with four consecutive defeats.