WIMBLEDON, England — Garbiñe Muguruza, a little-known 21-year-old Spaniard, barged into the Wimbledon women’s final Thursday by beating Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, in a semifinal on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
The match was lopsided in Muguruza’s favor until Radwanska fought back to win six consecutive games and force a third set. But Muguruza overcame nerves late in the match and held on for the win of her life.
The last woman from Spain to reach the final of Wimbledon was Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1996, and the last winner was Conchita Martinez, two years before that. Muguruza said that Martinez has been sending her encouraging texts, including tips on how to win at Wimbledon.