Muguruza calls for more women's tennis on TV

Muguruza told reporters she believed tennis was “lucky” to suffer less from sexism than other sports.

Muguruza admitted she had struggled for form in 2018 after two glorious years which had seen her clinch first the French Open in 2016 before being crowned Wimbledon champion last year.

Former world number one Garbine Muguruza called Monday for greater television coverage of women's tennis, as the game battles to recover from allegations of sexism that erupted at the US Open.

The Spaniard, who is struggling to end a slump in form that has seen her slip to 15th in the world, welcomed a new five-year deal the WTA has signed with the Tennis Channel in the US which aims to boost coverage and attract more viewers to the women's game.

“I think it's great, I think the more tennis we see is good,” the double Grand Slam champion said at the WTA Hong Kong Open as she prepared for her debut match at the tournament.

“Sometimes I feel that (television) plays more men's matches, not only in the United States but also in other countries, in Spain as well, and people need to see (women's tennis) in order to have their daughters play.”

Muguruza told reporters she believed tennis — where the earning gender gap persists despite the Grand Slams offering equal prize money — was “lucky” to suffer less from sexism than other sports.

But she added it was important the women's game achieved a higher profile.

“Just to see it on TV helps people to realise there is also a women's side.”

Osaka pullout

The tournament also generated unwanted headlines after the United States Tennis Association admitted it was wrong to hand French player Alize Cornet a warning for slipping off her shirt on court after realising she had put it on back-to-front.

Muguruza, speaking on her 25th birthday Monday, admitted she had struggled for form in 2018 after two glorious years which had seen her clinch first the French Open in 2016 before being crowned Wimbledon champion last year.

“I've had a few injuries but every year you have something,” she said.

“I just think I've played a lot of matches that didn't go my way, I've struggled in a few events and I couldn't find the right quality of game to beat these opponents — and I'm still searching for it.”

She has already missed out on the WTA season finale in Singapore after a poor season, but said the Hong Kong field remained competitive despite world number six Osaka, who triumphed over Williams in New York, pulling out with a back injury.

“There is a very good player who's not going to play but I don't think I have more chances now than before — there is a very tough draw.

“I have no expectation. I'm just trying to finish (the season) well.”