Garbine Muguruza on being Spain's main Wimbledon hope

Garbine Muguruza will open her Wimbledon campaign on Monday, knowing she will be Spain's best hope for a singles title this year.

The 22-year-old arrives at the All England Club as the reigning French Open champion and current world No 2. And she admits she has finally become relaxed about playing on grass.

Born in Venezuela and raised in Barcelona, she accepts she will be the main focus of attention among the Spanish journalists these next two weeks, now that two-time Wimbledon champion Rafa Nadal has been forced to withdraw through injury.

Muguruza said: "I thought about that the other day when I saw Rafa was not playing.

"For sure, people are looking more at what I'm doing but I think that's fine. It's a good sign. I like it."

As for grass, Muguruza reached the final 12 months ago when she lost 6-4 6-4 to Serena Williams.

Back then she was seeded No 20, and enjoyed victories over Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki and then Agnieszka Radwanska in the semi-finals.

Regarding playing on a surface she once found difficult, she added: "When I was younger, a lot of people were saying 'I think you will play good on grass' and I'm like 'There's no way, I hate grass.'

"I had a love and hate with Wimbledon because at the beginning it was hard for me. With time, I've got more used to grass and now I agree - I think my style of game helps.

"I think sometimes it's hard to run on grass. It's like sometimes I'm too tall but I don't know.

I think sometimes it's hard to run on grass. It's like I'm too tall.

"It feels like ages since I last stepped on grass, but it brings me great memories. Reaching the final at Wimbledon, that was something so special."

Muguruza starts her title bid against Camila Giorgi on Monday when she is scheduled to be the second match on Centre Court.