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The Stephens vs Muguruza Practice at US Open
33 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
Sunday morning at ten, defending US Open champion Sloane Stephens and double major winner Garbine Muguruza meet to practice on new Louis Armstrong stadium which is a spectacular venue.
The contrasts of the two camps are obvious. Sloane is deeply connected to her coach Kamau Murray and former hitting partner and perhaps assistant coach Darian King who lost in qualies here. Both are dressed in all black and hover around their boss like she’s a queen bee. On changeover breaks they both sit close to her, they are a unified team. But Sloane has opted not to sit at the designated changeover chair, instead she and her two coaches sit on the side wall of the court directly opposite of Muguruza, who sits down by herself, her female coach stands mostly behind her, apparently not offering her much of either technical tips or small talk.
Sloane and Garbine hit mostly at the baseline and then do volleys, overheads and serves, a lot of serves by each. Before serves, Garbine took a water break at her chair. As she did, Sloane stayed on the baseline with her two coaches standing with her.
Mike Tyson’s daughter Milan came to watch with a friend, both are part of the USTA Net Generation program, both wearing the yellow shirts.
Finally they started to play a practice set. The first point is the expected baseline bashing between two of the WTA’s most potent strikers. Sloane served and took control, dictating the Spaniard to hit a forehand, then backhand and then the third strike to Muguruza’s forehand whizzed by unchallenged. The second point was a Sloane forehand up the line.
But Muguruza battled back and got to deuce, then three more deuces. Muguruza was grunting on almost every shot but Sloane looked a little sharper, more compact and her balls had more consistency. Finally a Sloane forehand drop shot cross court closes out the epic first game. Muguruza offered no reaction to the shot other than to nonchalant her way to the other side of the court.
The two Grand Slam champions practiced as if they were total complete strangers. There was no interaction or acknowledgement of each other at all. But the action was fiercely contested. On one point Muguruza came to net and hit a forehand volley winner into the corner that just missed. She knew it missed but stared at the corner area the ball hit until Sloane strode over to point to the spot where the ball landed, less than an inch out.
Muguruza’s service game ended in failure, Sloane lead 2-0. But time was up, it was eleven and Simona Halep arrived.
Muguruza casually walked over to her chair and picked up her two racquets. Suddenly I noticed her coach Sam Sumyk was there too. Dressed in all black Asics gear, he came over and picked up her bag and a netted bag carrying loose tennis balls. He departed the court without any words or comments to Muguruza and he left the court about fifteen yards ahead of Muguruza, carrying her racquets towards the corner exit before signing two or three autographs. She basically left the court by herself. Her female coach followed a good distance behind her.
Muguruza had absolutely no contact with Sumyk for all of the practice that I saw. They could not have looked any more disconnected than they did. I wonder how on earth these two still be working together and why are they together? They do not seem to enjoy each other’s company or to even communicate in small talk. As for tactical or technical advice, I didn’t even notice Sumyk’s presence until the very end when he picked up the bag and balls. If he was on the court for this practice he must have been lodged in a corner in the shadows or he was invisible.
Stephens was constantly in contact with King and Murray all through the practice. She respects and appreciates what her team offers her and there certainly was a sense of team unity and working for the goal. With Muguruza’s team, if I can even use that word, the contrast was emphatically different. She seemed all alone on court, aloof, uninterested in anything but her own intentions and purpose. If you ask me, she seemed to have the demeanor of a slumping, worried player, lacking confidence, but working hard to try to fix the problem.
Muguruza seemed introverted today, not speaking at all with Sloane or even shaking hands with Sloane when the practice was over, perhaps they were going to continue play at another court.
Halep arrived with Darren Cahill and two other males. Cahill hit with the hitting partner first until Simona was ready to begin. No mini tennis warm up for Halep, right to the baseline and within minutes she was hitting hard. Halep then did one against two, with Cahill and the hit partner before beginning a practice set with the male hitting partner. Halep did not dominate and smacked her racquet on the ground a couple of times.
Muguruza · Sloane Stephens · US Open practice
catherine · August 26, 2018 at 2:53 pm
Who’s Muguruza’s female coach ? Or is she a physio ?
Muguruza’s going nowhere. What a bizarre session. What’s Sumyk being paid for ? And why doesn’t she have a hitting partner ? I wish I knew the story behind Conchita leaving – maybe she just got fed up..
Some players are very subdued and within themselves during practice. I’ve seen a few videos. Saw Kerber practising yesterday, mainly serving, and she was entirely oblivious to anything going on around her for the whole time, around 30 mins.
Practising before a big event, a GS, is a bit like last minute cramming before an exam: ‘If you don’t know it now you never will.’
Might as well just go to a movie or something. Relax.
Scoop Malinowski · August 26, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Catherine, I looked at the photos I took of this session and only then did I notice Sumyk. He was sitting on the side of the far side when Muguruza was on that side, legs crossed and holding his racquet but he never got up and never used his racquet and I don’t think he ever spoke to her, or at least she never gave him any attention. Then when she switched sides, Sumyk did not move, he stayed on the far side. Because he’s not in any of the photos of Muguruza I took on the near side. Team Muguruza all left the court apart too, first Sumyk, then about fifteen seconds behind was Muguruza, and then many steps after her was the female coach or physio. Bad vibes today from Team Muguruza.
Duke Carnoustie · August 26, 2018 at 9:02 pm
This session kind of lends credence to Catherine’s theory that the women should not practice with each other. If they barely acknowledge each other’s existence, what is the point?
The men don’t act like this. Catherine is right. Women should avoid the aloof and awkward behavior and practice solely with male hitting partners.
Duke Carnoustie · August 26, 2018 at 9:25 pm
If David Ferrer fails to beat Rafael Nadal tomorrow night, it will mark the only year in which he failed to win a single Slam match. He won at least five in each of the last 13 years. His defeat to Kukushkin in the Open last year ended a streak of 12 straight first-round wins.
Joey Cats · August 27, 2018 at 1:55 am
This article shows the truth of the treatment that Garbi is getting from her team. Way to much talent to be wasted! No need for this negativity. Definitely weighing on Garbi’s head. Could be part of the problem why her game has changed. Buy their contracts out and get rid of them. Start fresh with pp who want to work with you, not against you!
catherine · August 27, 2018 at 5:20 am
Joey – yes, if this practice session is typical of the way Muguruza and her ‘team’ go about things then I can’t see much of a future for her in the short term. However, although Garbine’s a W’don Champion she’s still only 24 and it may be hard for her to make the right decisions on her own.
It’s difficult to dump your coach – Angie did this at the end of 2017 but she was a bit older and more experienced and even then admitted it was ‘tough’.
One thing’s definite – Muguruza won W’don when she had Martinez in her box. Conchita kept her calm and focussed. Conchita won’t be back for a 3rd stint but there’s a lot of good coaches out there.
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 8:17 am
There is clearly turmoil and dissension on Team Muguruza. Not sure what the root of it is but I would guess it all starts with the boss. Sumyk is just a subordinate. He looked disgusted and detached. Just no communication at all with Garby who could be a real piece of work type drama queen diva. It was stunning to see such a lack of interaction, to see Sumyk sit on that far side and not even change sides when his player changed sides. Also he sat over there on the opposite side of her changeover chair, like he wanted to be as far away as possible. Then when it was over he just came over and picked up the stuff and again, no contact whatsoever with Garby. Factor in Conchita leaving the team and you have to suspect this could be the most dysfunctional team in pro tennis.
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 8:47 am
Ferrer is finished, he has hit the wall like Michael Chang did at the end, losing that fraction of footspeed and timing takes down their whole game and aura. Rafa will have no mercy.
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 8:49 am
Duke, it was good practice for both, to test their level against another top player and see where they stand. That’s more important than being nice and exchanging fake pleasantries. If they opt to be cold to each other, what’s the big deal? The US Open is business, it’s not personal it’s business.
catherine · August 27, 2018 at 9:26 am
Scoop – actually it’s more technical reasons I think it’s better that top players especially practise with male hitting partners – nothing to do with being friendly, although I’m a bit surprised those two were so uncommunicative. After all no one forced them to practise together. And I doubt either left that session any the wiser about their respective levels.
I agree with you that the problems probably start with Garbine – why does Sumyk put up with it ? Can’t be that he’s had no other offers. Will be interesting to see what happens if Garby flops in NY.
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 10:21 am
Catherine, I would surmise many of these coaches endure abuse from players, I have seen examples of it. Not all these coaching relationships are fairy tales. Pro tennis coaching is about the least secure job in the world. Rios fired Stefanki after he became no. 1. Hewitt and Federer discarded Cahill and Lundgren respectively, shortly before they became no. 1. What’s the alternative for Sumyk? Muguruza knows he has no leverage and no other plan B options. Maybe she enjoys having all the power in the relationship. Sadly I did not see one hint of an iota of respect from her to him yesterday. He should just walk.
Joe Blow · August 27, 2018 at 10:47 am
Coach isn’t quitting before a Major, if player does well at a Major, the Coach’s pay stub gets bigger. After the Major would be a good time to sit down.
Can’t imagine what a job looks like, when the boss makes 10 times what you make, and you are supposed to lecture them on their craft that has taken them further than you ever achieved, or dreamed of.
Good working relationships between Coaches, and Players, are far less, than the ones that bombed.
As far as the firings before reaching number 1, that might be money and bonus issues more than Tennis reasons
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 11:01 am
Joe, Don’t forget, Muguruza humiliated Sumyk on TV about two years ago when he came on court to try to help coach her in a match and she replied flatly to his advices: “Tell me something I don’t know.”
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 11:11 am
Muguruza once told Sumyk to STFU! http://baseline.tennis.com/article/65015/muguruzas-coach-miami-open-third-round
Duke Carnoustie · August 27, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Halep is showing today why that practice was a bad idea. Clearly the negative energy surrounding Mug has affected her. Anyone can see she has bad energy today.
Catherine is right, the women should not practice together since their negative energy can be too draining emotionally.
Duke Carnoustie · August 27, 2018 at 12:31 pm
This is an example of T-P at its finest. Great reporting on this practice and great analysis prior on women not practicing with each other.
I saw a Halep today who was unfocused and not the player we saw in Montreal and Cincinnati. The practice with Mug seemed to affect her mental state. I regret not using this information to bet this Halep match since it was clear she would lose.
Great job by all on this practice.
Chazz · August 27, 2018 at 12:35 pm
At least Halep had a great racquet smash. Wow does Kanepi crush the ball. Serena with a gift that Halep is out.
Sock up 2 sets to 0. I wish I had Amazon Prime because it will be interesting to see if he finds a way to collapse and lose his 9th straight.
catherine · August 27, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Was Garbine Muguruza brought up or dragged up ?
And is Sumyk a masochist ?
I agree – it’s time he walked. Whatever happens in NY. Like Cahill did with Simona, another player who deals in humiliating her elders, but Darren came back to take a bit more of it.
Thank heaven’s no occ at the USO.
catherine · August 27, 2018 at 12:44 pm
I wrote above before I saw Simona had gone out (Simona didn’t practice with Muguruza I don’t think).
We’ll probably hear about an injury now, but whatever, it’s time for Cahill to step aside. He’s probably done as much for Simona as he can.
Scoopmalinowski · August 27, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Simona was not very impressive yesterday in practice. Some sulking, poor shots, losing games, definitely not a stunning display like Sloane showed.
catherine · August 27, 2018 at 1:13 pm
Remember those words in Cincinnati ? ‘I gave up’.
No genuine champion ever says that even if it were true.
Chazz · August 27, 2018 at 2:34 pm
Sock with his first Slam win since…2017 Wimbledon. What’s going on with Edmund, bad loss for him today after getting smoked by Johnson 1 & 2 in W-S four days ago.
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 2:46 pm
Roberto Duran quit against Ray Leonard in the famous New Orleans No Mas fight. Guillermo Coria clearly tanked the fourth set of the Roland Garros final with a fake leg injury that magically disappeared at the start of the fifth vs Gaston Gaudio. There are other examples. Champions sometimes just aren’t feeling it and tank or subconsciously tank. Would you say Fed tanked the last two French Opens? Wouldn’t a true champion give it his best shot?
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 2:47 pm
Sock finally back on track. Guess what, he didn’t hit with Kyrgios this week. Delpo vs Young first meeting. How odd is that, they have never played yet and both are over ten year veterans on the Tour.
Chazz · August 27, 2018 at 3:33 pm
Just noticed Dimitrov and Wawrinka played each other in the 1st round in both Wimbledon and the US Open. Weird. Anyway, Dimitrov not looking like a top 10 player this year and he should be peaking as a 27 year old.
Duke Carnoustie · August 27, 2018 at 3:34 pm
Scoop also DY and Delpo are the same age and have never played. Even weirder.
Duke Carnoustie · August 27, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Taylor Fritz getting outplayed badly. Too many video games for the young man, he’s a big fan of that video game that was at that Jacksonville massacre.
Meanwhile Scoop, did you see that Tennys Sandgren has befriended the leftist writer Glenn Greenwall? This is bad news indeed since Sandgren had proven himself as one of the sharpest minds and independent thinkers on the tour at the Aussie Open.
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 3:43 pm
Fritz beat M Zverev in five sets at the Aus Open final round of qualies three years ago, blew the fourth set then was down 4-0 in the fifth set to Zverev and then roared back to win 6-4 and qualify for his first major main draw. To lose today to Zverev shows Fritz has taken steps backwards not forward regarding his progress. Didn’t see that about Sandgren, he may be selling out or pretending to to simplify his life.
jg · August 27, 2018 at 4:59 pm
Don’t count Fritz out, looks like he’s upped his game, maybe got used to the court but he was out of it but somehow won the 3rd set and looks like he’s playing better than Zverev, who appears to be foot faulting a lot-maybe too eager to come in? It must be steamy playing today
Duke Carnoustie · August 27, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Career defining win for Fritz. I thought he looked dead in the water and stopped watching. What happened? Did Mischa get tired? Saw Fritz won the last 6 games.
Scoop Malinowski · August 27, 2018 at 6:24 pm
Fritz is a big time fighter, I have seen him come back from defeat several times. Most notably vs Zverev in Aus Open after choking the fourth set and then being down 0-4 in the fifth he won six in a row to qualify for his first grand slam main draw. This kid has some flaws but also something special.
Chazz · August 27, 2018 at 8:27 pm
Wish it was covered on ESPN. Huge win for Fritz, he was down 2 sets and a break in the 3rd. He gets Kubler in the next round which looks like a win unless he’s too worn out from this one.
What happened in Shapo match, retirement by injury? Harrison up 2 sets to 1 over last year’s finalist (Anderson) yet we’re forced to watch Catsuit against a nobody. Tsitsipas and Kudla looking good.
Joe Blow · August 27, 2018 at 9:36 pm
ESPN has 3 free courts online( WatchESPN)..free trial for ESPN+ to watch other courts.