The WTA Mexican Open got off to a good start on Monday and now it’s time for Americans Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens to take to the courts among others kicking off their 2020 WTA Acapulco campaigns.
Venus Williams vs Kaja Juvan
The qualifier Juvan takes on the veteran battler Williams for the first time. Williams has struggled and barely played since last Summer, while Juvan has qualified twice in a row (AO and Acapulco) and comes in on a wave of form. The teenager lacks the long resume of Venus Williams, but she’s favored on form alone as Williams has struggled with a hip injury. This match should be close but Williams will need time to find some form most likely. Prediction: Juvan in 3
Christina McHale vs Lauren Davis
An all-American battle. McHale dominates the h2h 4-1 and has won the last four meetings with Davis playing her first WTA tournament since Australia and McHale also looking to find form after time off. This should be a battle on hard courts, but the seeded Davis should be on upset alert against her compatriot. Prediction: McHale in 2
Sara Errani vs Sara Sorribes Tormo
The qualifier Errani has a 2-0 h2h advantage against Sorribes Tormo, with both players relatively out of form going into this contest. The former top 10 player Errani has endured a tumultuous last couple of years, and suffers from serious problems with her serve that emerged after she returned from a doping suspension. Sorribes Tormo secured an inspiring upset win against Naomi Osaka in the Fed Cup and should have enough momentum to get past Errani and move closer to evening the h2h in this one. Prediction: Sorribes Tormo in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Renata Zarazua
Little known Renata Zarazua has a tough task against Sloane Stephens in her home tournament. The 22 year old has yet to break into the top 150 and is taking on a former top 5 American in Stephens who has also lifted a Grand Slam title. Stephens recent struggles will give the young Mexican player some hope, but surely Sloane has not slumped to the point she’s going to lose to a player ranked outside of the top 200. Prediction: Stephens in 2
Katie Boulter vs Jasmine Paolini
Britain’s Boulter had played relatively well below the tour level, while Paolini is struggling to make the jump to the WTA level. Getting a match win at the tour level is a huge opportunity for either player, but Boulter is set to make the best of her opportunity and capitalize. Prediction: Boulter in 2
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