Muguruza has emerged as one of the leading lights in women’s tennis

Steve Simon, the new WTA chief executive, wants to see exciting stars emerging in women’s tennis. Garbiñe Muguruza appears to fit the bill perfectly and, after finishing the group stage of the WTA Finals in Singapore with a 100 per cent record, she insists she gets inspiration from Rafael Nadal, her compatriot.

Muguruza beat Petra Kvitova, the two-times Wimbledon champion, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in a match that featured 15 breaks of serve. She now faces a semi-final confrontation with Agnieszka Radwanska, of Poland, and admitted she is as entranced by Nadal as any other young Spaniard.

“He’s a great example for us,” said the 22-year-old, who rose to third on the WTA rankings this week and who today becomes the first player since Serena and