Wed Sep 10 04:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information:

**Headline: Former US Open Champ Sloane Stephens Returns to WTA Tour in Guadalajara**

**Guadalajara, Mexico** – Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, is set to make her comeback to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour at the Guadalajara Open, facing qualifier Lucrezia Stefanini in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. This marks Stephens’ first competitive match since the Merida Open earlier this year.

The 32-year-old American, once ranked World No. 3, is currently unseeded due to an extended absence that saw her drop outside the Top-1000. While 2025 has so far been a challenging year with a 0-4 record, Stephens aims to reignite her career on the Mexican hard courts. Her opponent, Italy’s Lucrezia Stefanini, is currently ranked No. 148 and comes off a two-win streak in the qualifying round. She will certainly be hoping to capitalize on her strong start at this tournament.

Stephens and Stefanini have never played each other before, making this contest a highly anticipated first-time matchup. The winner will advance to face No. 4 seed Magdalena Frech in the pre-quarterfinals.

Aside from her tennis prowess, Stephens is known for her philanthropic efforts through her foundation, @SS_FDN, which has impacted over 15,000 youth. She was recently presented with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award at the ESPYS for her work.

However, the BetMGM betting odds favour Stefanini. Despite Stephens’ experience, analysts predict Stefanini to win in three sets, citing the American’s potential rustiness and the humid Guadalajara conditions. Stefanini is considered to have the momentum after having recent match-play and experience.

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