America’s Peyton Stearns is not having a great time in the 2025 season. Apart from struggling a bit with her form recently, she was recently spotted having some health issues during her previous match at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Later, she even shared an update on her health, saying, “Highly don’t recommend having a GI illness & playing 2 matches in a day… not a good combo 🥲.”

Perhaps fatigue also played a big role in her exit from that tournament. However, now it’s time to bounce back! Stearns will face Varvara Gracheva in the first round (R32) of the ATX Open. Can the American make a winning start to her campaign in Austin, Texas?

Peyton Stearns vs Varvara Gracheva: Preview

Peyton Stearns has already faced quite a few early exits this season. She hopes not to repeat a similar fate on her home soil. Stearns will enter this contest following her 1-6,1-6 defeat to Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the R16 of the Dubai Tennis Championships. She was far from being at the top of her health conditions in that match. Now, the question is: Is she fit enough to win the battle against the Frenchwoman?

Just like Stearns, even Varvara Gracheva had a disappointing start to her season in 2025. Japan’s Aoi Ito defeated her by 2-6,4-6 in the second qualifier of the Qatar Open. It’ll be interesting to see if Gracheva can make a strong comeback, from that disappointing result in Doha.

Stearns vs Gracheva: Head-to-Head

Peyton Stearns and Varvara Gracheva have crossed paths against each other four times in their careers, so far. Interestingly, the H2H record is currently well-balanced at 2-2! Who will get the better of the other in their fifth encounter?

• 2025 Club-Napoca R32: Stearns 2-6,6-2,6-2.
• 2024 Hobart R32: Gracheva 7-6(3),3-6,7-5.
• 2023 Miami Qualifying R2: Gracheva 7-6(6),6-1.
• 2022 Cincinnati Qualifying R1: Stearns 6-2,6-2.

Prediction: Stearns to win in straight sets

This is Peyton Stearns’ third appearance at this tournament. Although she hasn’t been in great form recently, we cannot rule out the enormous potential of this 23-year-old American. Just a few days ago she took down the world number 8, Qinwen Zheng at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Stears has the game to deliver in these conditions!

Talking about her record this season, Peyton Stearns (43) has a win-loss record of 5-6 in 2025. Her opponent, Varvara Gracheva (72) has recorded just 1-3, so far, in 2025. So, considering all these factors, we feel the American will be the clear favorite to win this epic battle in Texas.

Now, if we shift our focus to their playing styles, fans know Gracheva for her calm demeanor on the court. Along with her incredible ability to pull things out in her favor from dicey situations in the matches, her hard work makes her a really special player on the Tour. Powerful baseline shots and strong defensive skills usually characterize Varvara Gracheva’s playing style.

On the other hand, America’s Peyton Stearns remains known for her aggressive baseline game. She loves taking a fearless approach against higher-ranked opponents. Her strong forehand shots can really put Gracheva in some real trouble in this epic contest!

Stearns loves swinging her rackets freely, generating some real venom behind her shots, but her biggest weakness is her high number of double fault counts. However, we expect Stearns to keep things tidy in this contest and secure her spot for the next round at the 2025 ATX Open.

It promises to be a topsy-turvy affair!