Former World No. 1 Garbine Muguruza will take on American tennis player Sloane Stephens in the opening round of the WTA Mutua Madrid Open 2021. In the past, they have faced each other on four occasions and have split the contest evenly with each player winning two matches. 

Garbine Muguruza vs Sloane Stephens: Preview

The Spaniard has had a good start in the 2021 season. Garbine Muguruza won the title in Dubai and made it to two finals in Qatar and the Yarra Valley Classic in Melbourne. 

However, in her last tournament at the Volvo Car Open 2021, she retired from the match due to a sharp pain in her left leg. In that match, she was leading 6-0 2-2 before pulling out from the event. 

On the other hand, Sloane Stephens has not kicked off the season well. She has played a handful of tournaments but has failed to get past the first round in a few. 

Nonetheless, she registered a better performance at the Volvo Car Open 2021 when she made it to the quarterfinal round before bowing out to Russian tennis player Veronika Kudermetova. 

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Muguruza vs Stephens: Head-to-Head

The Spanish player and her American rival have played against each other four times, each winning two matches. Interestingly, their past two meetings have been on clay courts. 

In 2019, they faced each other at Roland Garros and the match was won by Stephens in straight sets. Later, they met in 2020 at the WTA Italian Open in Rome; this time, it was Muguruza who sought revenge and won the match in straight sets. 

Muguruza vs Stephens: Prediction

The 27-year-old Spaniard will go into this match with more confidence than her opponent. However, her recent struggles with injuries can be a hindrance. Meanwhile, Stephens will be the underdog given her recent results. However, she can take the positives from her past triumphs over Garbine. 

Prediction: Garbine Muguruza to win in straight sets. 

Also Read: “That Is Bizarre”: Victoria Azarenka Mocks Hilarious Picture Shared at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021, Fans React