Stephens and Bouzkova to play in WTA Guadalajara final

Sloane Stephens will face Marie Bouzkova in the Guadalajara final after they bested their opponents in the semifinals.

Unseeded Marie Bouzkova and No.6 seed Sloane Stephens will square off for the Abierto Akron Zapopan title on Sunday night after advancing through their Saturday semifinals in Guadalajara. Bouzkova of the Czech Republic stormed past former Top 15 player Wang Qiang of China 6-3, 6-3 to reach the third WTA singles final of her career.

She said:

"I was expecting a really tough match. I was kind of prepared that we were going to have really long rallies. I know she’s a tough opponent, so I just tried to stay there the whole time, and I just played a good match in the end. It’s very special to be here in Guadalajara for my third final. I think I couldn’t wish for a better place to play it, and I’m just really excited for tomorrow."

Earlier, Stephens of the United States had to stage a comeback before advancing to the final when Anna Kalinskaya of Russia retired from their semifinal clash due to a back injury. The final scoreline was 3-6, 7-5, ret.

Stephens said:

"I just tried to compete hard and fight for every point. Obviously it was difficult because she was playing really well, and it was kind of an uphill battle for me the whole match. I’m just pleased to be able to string some points together and win that second set."