Carole Monnet exits Guadalajara after Stephens defeat

Carole Monnet’s Guadalajara campaign is over after a first-round defeat by Sloane Stephens. The Frenchwoman leaves the Mexican tournament having come through qualifying, a run that will earn her 14 places in the world rankings. She will next return to the ITF circuit at the Ankara tournament.

Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion and former world No. 3, prevailed 6-4, 7-6 in one hour and 49 minutes. The American, now ranked 169th, entered the WTA 500 event on a wildcard, while Monnet arrived as the world No. 215. Stephens will face fifth seed Janice Tjen in the second round.

Monnet fell 3-0 behind in the opening set but fought back to 5-4 after saving two set points and breaking Stephens. She then lost her serve again as Stephens closed out the set. Monnet made the stronger start to the second, moving 2-0 ahead, but neither player could establish control before the set went to a tiebreak. Monnet led 3-1 there, then dropped four consecutive points. She saved one match point at 6-4, but Stephens converted her next opportunity to end the contest. Elsa Jacquemot and Diane Parry are the remaining French players in Guadalajara.