Tennis standout Muguruza joins contest for Zhuhai title

Two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza is a favored player at the season-ending Hengqin Life WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai from Oct 30 to Nov 4.

The Spanish-Venezuelan player claimed the 2016 French Open, 2017 Wimbledon Championships, and was once the top-ranked women's singles player. The Organizing Committee says her record is incomparable in this year's event.

Muguruza is known for flat, powerful groundstrokes from both wings, but this year has struggled to adjust to new tactics and strategies during physical rehabilitation. Her best result this season was breaking into the semifinals of the French Open.

Other confirmed players include Julia Goerges, last year's champion, and 2017 US Open runner-up Madison Keys. Chinese #1 Wang Qiang will join them as a wild card.

Organized by Huafa Group at the Hengqin International Tennis Center, the tournament offers players seeded 9 to 19 a chance to win 700 points for the singles championship.

Retired tennis legend Steffie Graf returns as event ambassador and will interact with Zhuhai tennis lovers on Nov 3. An accompanying outdoor food festival will add flavor to the WTA action.