The 2024 US Open ended with much fanfare with Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, claiming the top honors. However, it was a memorable tournament for American stars, with many digging deep into the tournament. After an action-packed two weeks in New York, the focus quickly shifts to Mexico, where the WTA 500 tournament is taking place in Guadalajara. The American fans can hardly take their eyes off as Sloane Stephens will be in action later today. The 2017 US Open champion will take on Olivia Gadecki of Australia in what promises to be a close contest. Despite Stephens being the favorite, one cannot rule out the Australian star Gadecki, who will be eyeing an upset.

Sloane Stephens vs Olivia Gadecki: Preview

While many of her compatriots had a dream run at the recently concluded US Open, it was a tournament to forget for the experienced Sloane Stephens. She lost in the opening round of the tournament after inflicting a bagel in the opening set against Clara Burel. Additionally, she suffered a similar fate in doubles too, losing in the first round. After a series of first-round defeats, the American star is looking to find her lost touch when she steps onto the court today.

All in all, it has been a forgettable year for Stephens. Apart from winning the Open de Rouen title, she hasn’t even come close to winning a big title this year. Additionally, she is entering the tournament in Mexico on the back of 4 consecutive defeats and will be eager to end her losing streak against Gadecki.

While Sloane Stephens has been playing on the WTA Tour, Gadecki has played both on the WTA Tour as well as the ITF circuit this season. She is still finding her footing on the big stage and reached the final of the ITF USA 34A last month. Further, she lost in the second qualifying round of the US Open and wasn’t able to make it to the main draw. Nonetheless, she was able to get past that stage in Guadalajara and will be looking to fetch some big wins when she steps onto the court in Mexico.

Stephens vs Gadecki: Head-to-head

The Australian star is slowly and steadily rising in the tennis world and has had some memorable wins this year. Among them was the one against Sloane Stephens when she defeated her at Trophee Clarins in Paris. Unfortunately, Stephens had to retire midway through the second set in that match. However, that wasn’t the first time they had met.

Earlier this year, Stephens defeated Gadecki in the first round of the Australian Open 6-3, 6-1. With their h2h battle tied, it would be interesting to see who gets the better of whom in this thrilling contest.

Prediction: Stephens set to get back to winning ways

Time and again, Stephens has proved why she cannot be ruled out in any contest. While she is ranked 63rd in the world, Gadecki lies outside the top 100 at the 152nd spot. However, her opponent has a better win-loss record than her this year. Stephens has won 50% of her matches this year, having a win-loss record of 19-19. On the other hand, Gadecki has won 33 matches, while losing 24.

Despite this, Stephens is known to come back strongly when things aren’t going her way and there cannot be a better opportunity than the tournament in Guadalajara. This match will likely feature long rallies, which should favor Stephens’ style of play. The American star is expected to prevail in this encounter in straight sets and enter the second round. Because another defeat could significantly damage her season. Their match will take place at Akron Tennis Stadium later today.