WTA Madrid Open 2021: Garbine Muguruza vs Sloane Stephens-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

WTA Madrid Open 2021: Garbine Muguruza vs Sloane Stephens-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Garbine Muguruza and Sloane Stephens

Garbine Muguruza will take on Sloane Stephens in the First round of the Madrid Open 2021. Muguruza is currently the World no.13 on the WTA rankings and Stephens is the World no.51.

Match Details

  • Tournament: Madrid Open 2021
  • Match: Garbine Muguruza vs Sloane Stephens
  • Round: First-round
  • Date: 29th April, 2021
  • PrizeMoney: $18,674
  • Venue: Madrid, Spain 
  • Surface: Clay Court

Garbine Muguruza vs Sloane Stephens: Match Preview

Garbine Muguruza
Garbine Muguruza

Muguruza has been in fine form since the turn of the year. She reached the Finals of the Yarra Valley Classic and the Qatar Open. She also won the Dubai Open. In the finals of the Dubai Open she beat Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets 7-6 6-3. But in her first tournament on clay this year, at the Charleston Open, she ended up injuring her leg.

Muguruza retired hurt while she was leading the match 6-0 2-2 against Yulia Putintseva. This will be her first match post that incident, and Muguruza will hope for an injury free return to court.

Her first round opponent is Sloane Stephens. Stephens has been in terrible form for a while now. But, she showed some signs of recovery when she reached the Quarter-finals of the Charleston Open. At that stage, she lost to Veronika Kudermetova in straight sets 3-6 4-6. 

Garbine Muguruza vs Sloane Stephens: Head-to-Head

Sloane Stephens
Sloane Stephens

The two players have met four times on the tour before, and the head to head stands at 2-2. Their last encounter was at the Italian Open last year, Muguruza won in straight sets 6-3 6-3. 

Garbine Muguruza vs Sloane Stephens: Prediction

Garbine Muguruza
Garbine Muguruza

The two players have had tight encounters in the past, but that is old news. In the last year or so Muguruza and Stephens have been on the opposite ends of the spectrum form wise. Muguruza has been on the upswing and Stephens down in the dumps. Having said that, both players have proven pedigree on clay.

Muguruza won the French Open in 2016 and Stephens was a finalist in 2018. Muguruza should have been favourite to win this match in straight sets but for the fact that she is returning from injury. Stephens will do well to avoid getting humiliated in this one. 

Match Prediction: Garbine Muguruza will beat Sloane Stephens in three sets. 

Also Read: WTA Madrid Open 2021: Elina Svitolina vs Jil Teichmann-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction