Are you ready for the all-American clash at the 2025 ASB Classic? American superstar, Sloane Stephens is all set to take on the youngster, Ann Li in the first round (R32). Stephens won this tournament in 2016! However, recently she has been struggling a bit with some injuries and a lack of form. Can the 24-year-old Ann Li put up an extraordinary brand of tennis and stun this experienced campaigner in Auckland?

Sloane Stephens vs Ann Li: Preview

Despite her struggles, Sloane Stephens managed to clinch a title this year. It came at the Open de Rouen, where she defeated Poland’s Magda Linette in the final by 6-1,2-6,6-2. Apart from that, there haven’t been any noteworthy performances from the 31-year-old in the last season. She was last seen in action on the Tour at the Korea Open. However, over there she faced an early exit at the hands of her compatriot Hailey Baptiste. Can she make a strong start to her 2025 season by clinching a victory against the other compatriot?

Ann Li, on the other hand, won a title at the WTA 125K Valencia, ES and then she reached the final of the Swedish Open. However, over there she was defeated by Italy’s Martina Trevisan by 2-6,2-6. After that, she even reached the final of the W60 Las Vegas, NV 45A and Merida Open Akron, but in both cases, she failed to deliver when it mattered the most. Ann Li is entering this match following her R32 loss to Australia’s Astra Sharma at the WTA 125K Midland, US in November. 

Stephens vs Li: Head-to-Head

Sloane Stephens has faced Ann Li only once in her career. She currently has a lead of 1-0 over the youngster and it’ll be interesting to see if Stephens can extend the lead further with a win in this match or will Li put things on level terms with the 2017 US Open champion.

• 2023 Guadalajara R64: Stephens 7-5,6-4.

Prediction: Stephens to win in three sets

Both the players didn’t have an outstanding season in 2024, so surely they’ll be keen to make a better run in 2025. Sloane Stephens (74) has a win-loss record of 19-21 this season. On the other hand, Ann Li (96) has a win-loss record of just 7-5 on the main Tour. Stephens might be struggling a bit with her form recently, but we can’t deny her class and she has vast experience on the women’s Tour. So, we’re picking experience over the flare from the young campaigner!

Now, if we take a look at their playing styles, Ann Li loves playing in quicker conditions and likes hitting the ball big. We often see her taking control of the baseline and there’s no doubt that she’d be looking to do the same against Stephens as well! 

Sloane Stephens on the other hand is known for her all-court game. Even she likes staying behind the baseline, relying on her athleticism to counter her opponents. Sloane Stephens can also generate a lot of power in her shots and can swiftly turn defense into offense. However, her biggest concern has been a high number of double faults. She has hit 31 aces this season and committed 62 double faults! Apart from this, we feel Stephens has more weapons to win this battle than the young American. So, we’re going with Sloane Stephens in this epic battle in Auckland!