Get ready as we dive into the action-packed WTA Abierto Mexicano TELCEL presentado por HSBC, unfolding from 26 February to 3 March in beautiful Acapulco, Mexico.
Though the women’s version of this famous event celebrating its 18th year hasn’t quite reached the same buzz as the men’s tournament, the stage is set for some exciting tennis. Venus Williams was initially slated to participate but had to pull out last minute due to scheduling concerns.
Her presence would have certainly added extra sparkle to an already intriguing line-up. Leading the pack is US Open champion Sloane Stephens, a previous winner here, who looks to bounce back after a challenging start to her season. Other names to watch include defending champ Lesia Tsurenko and Kristina Mladenovic, both hungry to make their mark in what promises to be an open competition.
Previous Champions
2017: Lesia Tsurenko
2016: Sloane Stephens
2015: Timea Bacsinszky
2014: Dominika Cibulková
2013: Sara Errani
First Quarter — Seeds: Sloane Stephens (1), Tatjana Maria (8)
Sloane Stephens carries grand slam experience but has had a turbulent year. She might be pushed hard but the outdoor hardcourts here should suit her gameplay well. Tatjana Maria could be confident in this quarter, yet Stephens looks favoured to advance through.
Second Quarter — Seeds: Shuai Zhang (4), Alize Cornet (6)
Though the seeds may not be headline-grabbing, this quarter is interesting due to four qualifiers competing. Alize Cornet might leverage her experience and recent comeback from disruptions to excel here.
Third Quarter — Seeds: Irina-Camelia Begu (5), Daria Gavrilova (3)
This quarter is packed with talent including unseeded Swiss player Belinda Bencic, a standout from the Hopman Cup. Bencic is my pick to progress despite a slow season start due to injuries.
Fourth Quarter — Seeds: Kristina Mladenovic (2), Lesia Tsurenko (7)
Much like Stephens, Mladenovic’s form has fluctuated. After a breakthrough in St Petersburg, she’s struggled again, recently losing early in Dubai. Defending champion Tsurenko also hasn’t hit top form, opening chances for contenders like Britain’s Heather Watson. My money’s on Tsurenko drawing on last year’s success to progress.
Highlighted First Round Matches
Lesia Tsurenko 4/7 vs Lauren Davies 11/8
With Tsurenko defending her title, the odds seem fair. Expect her to comfortably win this encounter.
Sloane Stephens 2/7 vs Pauline Parmentier 11/4
A tight affair. Although Stephens is favourite, Parmentier’s odds suggest a potential upset. Worth watching closely.
Veronica Cepede Royg 3/1 vs Belinda Bencic 1/4
Bencic looks like a sleeper candidate to take the event, but recent injuries could make for a challenging first round. Royg’s odds offer an enticing option to keep an eye on.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.net
