Relaxed approach for Muguruza at Roland Garros

PARIS (AP):

If there is a player who should not be afraid of Serena Williams' return to Grand Slam tennis at the French Open, it is certainly Garbine Muguruza.

Despite an inconsistent clay-court season so far, the two-time Grand Slam champion from Spain is among the top contenders at Roland Garros. She won her first major title two years ago by defeating Williams in the final.

Muguruza and Williams have played against each other five times, and the Venezuela-born Muguruza prevailed twice, both at the French Open. Muguruza's maiden victory over Williams in her second French Open appearance back in 2014 was a surprise, routing the defending champion 6-2, 6-2 in the second round.

This year, the third-ranked Muguruza and Williams could meet in the quarter-finals. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, is competing in her first major since giving birth to her daughter in September. She has not played a major since winning the Australian Open in January 2017.

"If that happens, it will be the best match for quarter-finals," Muguruza said.

Muguruza's preparations for the French Open have been far from ideal, winning just two matches on clay. After losing to Daria Kasatkina at the Madrid Open, she lost her opening match to Daria Gavrilova last week in Rome.