Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens: 2023 Canadian Open Montreal - Preview & Prediction
Both Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens made winning starts at the Canadian Open in Montreal, and that's why we'll see them play against each other.
Azarenka has been playing really solid tennis lately but somehow tends to run into some really inspired tennis players, which cut her run short. She navigated the first round in Montreal well, beating Magda Linette in straight sets, and that's going to be the plan against Sloane Stephens as well.
The American faced Anhelina Kalinina and despite some struggles to close out the match, managed to keep it in two sets. Both of them are very good hard court players though Azarenka has historically had more success.
She's had a better season overall this year as well which is why she's favoured to win the match. Stylistically it's a tricky one for Stephens but she's actually handled it quite well over the years which is certainly surprising.
Head-to-head
You might think that Azarenka has a clear edge here but she doesn't. The H2H is actually 5-4 for Azarenka but that's far closer than many anticipate. Two of those actually came this year and Azarenka won both which means that before this year it was Stephens that lead the matchup. Both matches that were played this year were on clay.
Prediction
It's going to be an interesting one though, a lot will depend on Azarenka. If she truly puts forward a great counter-punching performance it's going to be very hard for Stephens to find solutions. She's capable of it of course but these conditions will give Azarenka plenty of chances to finish rallies on her own terms.
The serve could be crucial for both as you don't really want to allow your opponent to get the upper hand in an early rally so that's something to keep an eye out for.
Prediction: Victoria Azarenka to win in three sets.
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