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Magda Linette and Anna Kalinina earned early exits at the hands of Viktoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens, respectively. The triumphant duo are now set to renew their rivalry in the second round of the National Bank Open. Get the latest tennis betting tips and predictions here.
The odds in this article were correct at the time of writing, and the odds are subject to change. We recommend checking with the bookmaker before placing the bet.
Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens – Match Predictions
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Victoria Azarenka to Win
There have been nine duels between Azarenka and Stephens, with the Belarusian maestro leading 5-4. With little to separate them from their past duel, we expect another tight battle. Azarenka is the 16th seed at the Canadian Open and has momentum on her side after an easy dismantling of Linette. On the other hand, Stephens was made to work hard by Kalinina, triumphing courtesy of a second-set tiebreak win. With Azarenka firing on all cylinders, the bookmakers have her as a favourite to triumph and she has our backing as well.
Under 21.5 Games
Stephens’s last three matches have been marathons with at least 23 games seen before a victor was found. This was not the case in Azarenka’s last outing, where she took the first set 6-3 before bageling her Polish rival in the second set. Her last duel with Sloane in the Rome Masters was also a swift affair with just 19 games played. As they meet in Montreal, Azarenka has the right footing and momentum and should finish off this match Under 21.5 Games and room to spare for her sixth win against Stephens.
Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens Preview
Our predictions for this match have now been established, let’s see how these players have fared so far in the Canadian Open.
Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka’s recent performance against Magda Linette at the Canadian Open showcased her dominance on the court. She swiftly defeated World No. 25 with a convincing score of 6-3, 6-0 in just 72 minutes. Despite facing rain delays that tested her patience, Azarenka’s determination shone through as she secured her first win of the North American hard-court swing. While her past success in Montreal, including semifinals in 2008 and 2010, adds to her credibility, Azarenka faces the challenge of achieving consistency, having struggled to maintain consecutive victories in her recent tournaments.
Sloane Stephens
Sloane Stephens showcased her resilience in the first round of the Canadian Open. Despite a challenging match, Stephens emerged victorious in straight sets against Anhelina Kalinina with a score of 6-4, 7-6. The American’s determination was evident as she overcame hurdles and secured a hard-fought win. Reflecting on her past performances in Montreal, including a runner-up finish in 2018, Stephens is determined to make her mark once again, aiming to overcome her recent struggles and regain her form on the hard courts.
Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens Head to Head
Azarenka and Stephens have crossed paths on nine occasions. The Belarusian star holds a slight edge in their rivalry, leading with five victories to Stephens’ four. Their battles have often unfolded on the grand stages of WTA 1000 or higher-level events, adding to the intensity of their matchups.
Victoria Azarenka vs Sloane Stephens Match Details
- What is the prize money for Montreal Open 2023? The total prize money for National Bank Open 2023 is $2,788,468.
- Who is the top seed of the Montreal Open? Iga Swiatek has the top billing at National Bank Open 2023.
- Where is the match being played? The venue for this fixture is IGA Stadium, Montreal.
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