From a three-year-old hitting forehands in the tropical heat of South America to holding up the French Open trophy – Garbine Muguruza’s rise to tennis stardom has been one of the sport’s real feel good stories.

In a world where many tennis stars are divas with various but very specific grunting styles, the humble and down to earth Garbine has been a breath of fresh air.

Whilst the ‘journeys’ of many of today’s stars begin at expensive Florida tennis academies, Garbine’s tennis life started out in a country not exactly famous for its tennis exploits – Venezuela.

Born in Caracas a young Muguruza grew up surrounded by tennis. Her older brothers would spend hours sweating it out on the court in the tropical and humid Venezuelan heat. Not content with just watching, three year old Garbine did what all younger siblings do, she copied them.

“I started in a very small tennis club in a South American country where I never thought about becoming the best tennis player. Everything changes.”

?? A photo posted by Garbiñe Muguruza (@garbimuguruza) on Jun 9, 2016 at 9:20am PDT

“I was always following my brothers. If my brothers hadn’t played tennis I would never have picked up a racquet.”

With the limited tennis opportunities in Venezuela the Muguruza family packed their bags for Spain, leaving everything behind. Fast forward to the present and it’s proven to be a masterstroke.

??? A photo posted by Garbiñe Muguruza (@garbimuguruza) on Jun 24, 2016 at 8:57am PDT

2016 was a massive year for Garbine, breaking through to win her first ever Grand Slam title at Rolland Garros.

The win was a huge moment for the 23 year old- and the culmination of years of work on and off the court.

Descansando después de una dura sesión de físico en la playa!

Resting after a hard workout in the beach! pic.twitter.com/CN1qgKjhEg — Garbiñe Muguruza (@GarbiMuguruza) July 12, 2014

The sky really is the limit now for Garbine who has shown she has the game and the attitude to become one of the stand-out players of the modern era. But the star isn’t too fussed about breaking any records and making outrageous plans yet.

“I don’t think about those numbers. I just try to make my own history and contribute.”

Even though Garbine got knocked out yesterday in the Australian Open quarter finals, we think it’s safe to say that last year’s Grand Slam title is only the beginning for the Caracas Kid.

How well do you know your tennis? Test out your skills and knowledge in the first ever Guess The Grunt Competition

by Michael T. Lynch – contributor