Cincinnati Open 2024: Paula Badosa vs Peyton Stearns preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Paula Badosa vs Peyton Stearns
Date: 13 August 2024
Tournament: Western & Southern Open
Round: First Round (Round of 64)
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio, US
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $6,795,555
Live Telecast: US - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+
Paula Badosa vs Peyton Stearns preview
World No. 40 Paula Badosa will take on World No. 53 Peyton Stearns in the first round of the Cincinnati Open.
After a frustrating spell on the sidelines in 2023, Badosa has had a decent season in 2024. She's amassed 22 wins from 36 matches, including a title-winning run in the Citi Open this month. She reached the fourth round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, where she lost to Donna Vekic in three sets.
The Spaniard proved her class in Washington with a brilliant performance at the Citi Open. She outfoxed the likes of Emma Raducanu and Caroline Dolehide en route to the final and then overcame Marie Bouzkova to lift the title. However, Badosa comes to Cincinnati on the back of a second-round exit in Toronto at the hands of Jelena Ostapenko.
Peyton Stearns, meanwhile, is one of the most exciting young talents on tour. She's chalked up 15 wins from 31 matches this season, including a sensational title triumph at the Morocco Open.
She also reached the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open with some spirited performances in Toronto, losing to Jessica Pegula in straight sets. The American cruised past the likes of Anna Blinkova, Madison Keys, and Victoria Azarenka, but couldn't tip the scales in her favor against Pegula. The defending champion defeated Stearns in one hour and 29 minutes, 6-4, 7-5.
Paula Badosa vs Peyton Stearns head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between Badosa and Stearns.
Paula Badosa vs Peyton Stearns odds
Odds will be updated when available.
Paula Badosa vs Peyton Stearns prediction
Paula Badosa has the temperament to succeed at the highest level. She was ranked among the top 15 players in 2021 and 2022, but constant injuries and lack of game hindered her chances of making a notable impact on tour. The Spaniard looks determined to pass the maze this time around and chalk up strong results on tour.
Peyton Stearns is highly rated among experts and has shown her ability to succeed on the main tour. She defeated two seeded players en route to the quarterfinals in Toronto and also put up a tough fight against Pegula. If she raises her level in the next few months, she could be a serious contender on tour.
Considering their recent results and experience at the highest level, Badosa will be favored to come out on top. The Spaniard should be able to cause problems for Stearns with her heavy groundstrokes off both wings. It is most likely she begins her campaign with a win.
Pick: Badosa to win in three sets.