A couple of quarter-final picks from Guadalajara today, with partially cloudy skies and temperatures around 66°F, climbing into the low 80s later. We've got two interesting matchups to get into, so let's go.
WTA Guadalajara Open Akron Predictions
Magdalena Frech vs Iva Jovic
Head-to-head: Frech 0-1 Jovic
Jovic is the higher-ranked player here and has looked increasingly comfortable at this level over the past few months. Frech is a decent hard-court player and won't go away quietly, but the ranking gap is real and the one previous meeting already went Jovic's way.
Jovic's ability to keep points short and hit through opponents on hard courts is a big problem for someone like Frech, who tends to rely on getting into longer rallies and this one shouldn't go deep at all.
Prediction: Jovic in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Sloane Stephens
Head-to-head: Stearns 0-2 Stephens
On paper, Stearns at 60 against a 169-ranked Stephens should be comfortable, but Stephens owns both previous meetings and she's the kind of player who shows up in spurts, especially at smaller events where she can quietly string results together. Stearns has been the more consistent player this season and the ranking tells the real story of where both are right now.
That said, Stephens' defensive game and ability to redirect pace, which has caused problems for harder hitters throughout her career, can make her a nightmare for players who aren't patient, and Stearns will need to be disciplined. I feel like Stearns has enough firepower to get through this, all things considered, but don't be shocked if it gets uncomfortable in the second set.
Prediction: Stearns in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
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