Stephens and Williams star in women's draw for Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco

The 2017 US Open champion has been in a rut this season, as she is yet to win a singles match in 2020. She will be looking to right that ship when she faces Mexican Renata Zarazua in the opening round. The two have never met on the WTA circuit, with Zarazua granted a wildcard entry into the event.

Defending champion Wang Yafan captured her maiden title here last year, rallying from a set down to defeat reigning Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. After losing early in Hua Hin a few weeks ago, she will open her title defense against a qualifier.

Seven-time singles Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is seeded fifth at this event. The two-time champion (2009, 2010) has only played one match this season, losing to Coco Gauff in the first round of the Australian Open. She also faces a qualifier in the first round.

Williams and Stephens could potentially meet in the quarterfinals, in a rematch of their 2017 US Open semifinal encounter. Stephens prevailed en route to her lone Major title and in fact leads Williams 2-0 in career meetings.

Third-seeded Czech Maria Bouzkova has a fairly easy route to the quarterfinals, where she could meet Hua Hin semifinalist Nao Hibino.