Despite a challenging start to the 2025 season, Peyton Stearns is poised for a comeback. The American tennis star has been grappling with health issues that have impacted her form. Her recent bout with a GI illness during the Dubai Tennis Championships highlighted her struggle. Stearns herself admitted the difficulty of playing two matches in a day while sick.
Now, as she prepares for her first-round match against Varvara Gracheva at the ATX Open, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will she be able to regain her winning streak on home soil in Austin, Texas?
Stearns’ journey this season has been a rocky one, marred by early exits in various tournaments. Her recent defeat against Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she scored a disappointing 1-6,1-6, underscores the challenges she’s faced. The focus now is on her recovery and whether she’s fit enough to take on the formidable French player, Gracheva.
Gracheva, too, has had a rough start to the 2025 season. Her defeat against Japan’s Aoi Ito in the second qualifier of the Qatar Open has set her back. However, this also presents an opportunity for her to bounce back with a strong performance against Stearns.
The history between Stearns and Gracheva is evenly matched. With four previous encounters, the score stands at a balanced 2-2. Their upcoming match at the ATX Open will determine who takes the lead in this closely contested rivalry.
Despite Stearns’ recent struggles, one can’t overlook her innate potential. The 23-year-old American has demonstrated her prowess on the tennis court by defeating world number 8, Qinwen Zheng, at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Her win-loss record for 2025 stands at 5-6, compared to Gracheva’s 1-3. These figures, along with her home ground advantage, make Stearns the favorite in the upcoming match.
Stearns is renowned for her aggressive baseline game, a strategy that could pose a significant challenge to Gracheva. However, her high number of double faults is a weakness she needs to address. Conversely, Gracheva’s calm demeanor, coupled with her powerful baseline shots and strong defensive skills, set her apart on the tour.
The tennis world is keenly waiting to see who will come out tops in this much-anticipated match at the 2025 ATX Open. Will it be Stearns with her aggressive gameplay or Gracheva with her strong defensive skills? Only time will tell. However, all signs point towards a thrilling match that is sure to keep tennis fans on the edge of their seats.
