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Wimbledon 2016: Muguruza could dethrone Serena once again
Fresh from winning her maiden grand slam at Roland Garros, Garbine Muguruza has every chance of claiming a first Wimbledon title.
Garbine Muguruza shot to prominence at Wimbledon last year and the effervescent Spaniard returns to SW19 with very different expectations this time around.
Muguruza emerged as the surprise package on the famous grass at the All England Club in 2015, powering her way into a first grand slam final and winning the hearts of packed crowds in the process.
The Spaniard beat the likes of Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki and Agnieszka Radwanska en route to a showdown with world number one Serena Williams.
Legendary American Williams ensured the 22-year-old's fairytale run came to an end on Centre Court, winning in straight sets to stay on course for a first calendar Grand Slam.
But Muguruza gained sweet revenge at the French Open this month, winning her first grand slam title at the expense of the 21-time major champion on the clay at Roland Garros.
Muguruza was in tears after losing her maiden slam final to her childhood idol last July, but Williams attempted to console her by stating: "Don't be sad, you'll be holding this trophy very, very soon, believe me."
Williams held all four major titles when she left Wimbledon last year, but the Venus Rosewater Dish is the only one in her grasp and it would be no great surprise if Muguruza claims back-to-back majors.
There has been talk of a changing of the guard following Muguruza's triumph in Paris and although that may prove to be premature, the manner in which the world number two beat Williams at her own game at Roland Garros may have been the sign of things to come.
Venezuela-born Muguruza used her incredible force with devastating effect, showing she is no longer a young pretender but now a force to be reckoned with.
Although softly-spoken and laid back off the court, Muguruza has a ruthless streak as well as a steely determination with a racket in hand, possessing all the ability to suggest there should be plenty more grand slam titles to come.
Seeded 20 at Wimbledon last year, she will start the 2016 showpiece as a number two seed brimming with confidence and ready to prove she can go one better this time around.
"I know the other players are going to be looking to beat me now. But it's normal. I like my position and I will not change it. I prefer to be hunted than to be the other way around." Muguruza said after winning the French Open.
Camila Giorgi will be her first opponent in south-west London and there is every chance that the most recent grand-slam champion could well be shedding tears of joy rather than pain in a fortnight.