We may have the third chapter of what is going to be one of the most exciting rivalries in the WTA circuit in the years to come.
Sloane and Genie got to the draw in Beijing in a completely different manner.
Bouchard
Sloane got straight away to the main draw as seed no.11, Genie had to play the qualifications and that might be taxing for the young Canadian that, after losing a 3 hours match against Venus Williams in the Tokyo quarters, she had to catch a flight to play the first match for the qualifications the day after.
This Tour de Force will make it difficult for Genie to find the necessary strengths to beat Sloane in the second round. Genie was already struggling in the qualifications against world no. 90 Karolina Schmiedlova to lose the opening set before winning 4-6 6-0 6-3.
To play Sloane, Genie still needs to beat world no.36 Magdalena Rybarikova and she may do it without wasting too much energy.
Stephens
Sloane will be much fresher than Genie as she had an early exit at the Toray Pan Pacific Open at the hands of Bouchard and she has already played the opener in Beijing when she defeated Aleksandra Wozniak 6-4 6-4.
Head to head
This will be the 3rd match between Sloane and Genie. Bouchard won the last one 1 week ago, but now we see Sloane Stephens to get through.
