The Pick: Coco Gauff vs. Sloane Stephens, US Open second round

With rain in the forecast, it's looking like this blockbuster clash will take place under the roof.

Published Sep 01, 2021

Tennis Channel Live: US Open Top Contenders

Advertising

2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens will meet a potential future champion, Coco Gauff, on Wednesday in Flushing Meadows. There is plenty of rain in the forecast, but this marquee matchup will undoubtedly be placed in one of the two roofed stadiums, so it will take place as scheduled.

According to the oddsmakers, the teenager is a rather large -270 favorite and projected to win by four total games. These two have never played before, but at first glance, it seems Gauff is getting a bit too much respect against the extremely capable Stephens.

It’s difficult to think of two quicker players in the WTA, as both players cause so damage with their stellar court coverage. But over two to one odds for a former champion with far more big-match experience is enticing.

These two African-American stars have never played; what they won’t offer is a stark contrast in styles. Each has easy power on their serves and ground strokes, each plays excellent defense, and each thrives on long rallies and physical points—there should be some great ones over the course of this match.

Advertising

The book is out on Gauff, and while she continues to rise up the ranking, her forehand has become a liability. Once she irons that stroke out, the sky is the limit. But until then, she is definitely susceptible against opponents who can consistently pressure her forehand—the kind of opponent like Stephens.

Gauff has the much better backhand, while Stephens owns a far superior forehand. This match should be a fascinating chess-match as both players jockey for court positioning and their preferred patterns. Frankly, I believe Stephens has a slight advantage from the ground, while the athletic edge definitely goes to Gauff.

If Gauff wins this match, she will do so with her soon-to-be unparalleled athleticism.

Advertising

While it’s extremely tempting to take Stephens as a +220 underdog, this will almost certainly be a topsy-turvy match filled with nervous moments. Tennis betting is about finding the right edge, and betting on established players in their first meetings against rising stars is a solid angle.

What will happen? Well, I can promise you that Stephens will want to make a statement against a player already being dubbed the future of American women’s tennis. This line implies a straight-set victory for the teenager, but that's a lot to ask of a player competing in just her third US Open.

The Pick: Sloane Stephens +4

Advertising