WTA Stuttgart Open: Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula Aim for Quarterfinals

STUTTGART, Germany — The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is set to deliver exciting matchups as the Round of 16 kicks off Thursday, featuring top-ranked American players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. With their eyes on a coveted quarterfinal spot, both Gauff and Pegula are prepared to face determined challengers.

Gauff, the fourth seed, will open her campaign against Ella Seidel, who recently showcased her prowess by defeating Tatjana Maria in a grueling three-hour match. Despite a rocky start to the season, Gauff is looking to regain her form on clay, a surface where she feels more at home.

“Stuttgart is a great opportunity for me to turn things around,” Gauff said in a pre-match statement. “I know how important it is to find momentum, especially heading into the clay season.”

Seidel, a lucky loser, will present a formidable challenge for Gauff. However, statistical models give Gauff an impressive 89% chance of victory, reflecting her higher skill level and competitive edge. Current betting odds have Gauff favored at $1.10, solidifying her status as the match favorite.

Meanwhile, Pegula, the third seed, faces Poland’s Magdalena Frech, who recently broke a five-match losing streak. Although Pegula withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers last week, her decision was strategic, allowing her to rest after a successful series of matches, including two titles in recent weeks.

“I’m feeling good and ready to compete,” Pegula said. “Every match is crucial, and I’m focused on making a deep run in Stuttgart.”

Frech will attempt to leverage her recent performance to challenge Pegula, but with a 0-2 record against her, she faces an uphill battle. Pegula’s superior form places her as a strong favorite, with predictions suggesting she can secure victory in straight sets.

The Round of 16 also features key matchups with interesting storylines. Italian Jasmine Paolini, who has won both previous encounters against Jule Niemeier, is looking to extend her success as she continues to build on her momentum after a decisive win in her opener.

“I’m excited to take on Niemeier again. Every match is different, and I’ll be ready,” Paolini emphasized during a press conference.

On the other hand, Mirra Andreeva will make her WTA debut against Ekaterina Alexandrova, making for a thrilling showdown. Andreeva, fresh off a victory against her sister, believes she has the potential to upset Alexandrova, who possesses a strong record on clay.

“I feel good about my play and can’t wait to show what I can do,” Andreeva stated confidently.

As the tournament unfolds, anticipation is building around which players will secure their spots in the quarterfinals. The full schedule promises thrilling tennis, with fan-favorites and rising stars aiming for the prize at the 2025 WTA Stuttgart Open.