It’s the final day at the WTA Abierto Akron Zapopan in Guadalajara. The 6th seeded Sloane Stephens faces Marie Bouzkova. Stephens will be playing for her seventh WTA singles title from ten finals, her first since 2018. Meanwhile, Bouzkova will be playing for her first WTA singles title in what will be her third championship match. Bouzkova has arguably been more impressive this week, but experience is on the American’s side. Who will prevail?
WTA Guadalajara Final Prediction
Sloane Stephens vs Marie Bouzkova
H2H: Bouzkova 1-0
Sloane Stephens got lucky in her semifinal clash with Anna Kalinskaya. Stephens trailed by a set and a double break before mounting a comeback as her Russian opponent suffered from a lower back injury. Kalinskaya ultimately retired as Stephens claimed the second set. Stephens was also less than convincing in a three set win over Daria Saville in the quarterfinals having previously defeated Chloe Paquet and Brenda Fruhvirtova in three sets.
Marie Bouzkova has looked stronger and stronger throughout the tournament. Having started the week with a three set struggle over Misaki Doi, Bouzkova has gone on to defeat Lucia Bronzetti, Sara Sorribes Tormo, and Qiang Wang in straight sets. Commanding wins over Sorribes Tormo 6-4 6-1 and Wang 6-3 6-3 were especially impressive.
Bouzkova defeated Stephens 6-2 7-5 in the only previous encounter between the pair at the Rogers Cup in 2019. Bouzkova went on to reach the semifinals that week, one of the best results of her career.
I’m going to side with Stephens here. Stephens is a big match player, that’s what she is known for. That’s why she won her first six WTA finals and why she often peaks at Majors and larger tournaments. Conversely, Bouzkova has never won a WTA title and isn’t known as a big match player. All that aside, Stephens is the better player. Stephens can match the athleticism of Bouzkova, whilst the American has more weapons at her disposal. Expect a determined Stephens to show up and get the job done.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
