Sloane Stephens needed two tiebreaks and a second-set comeback, but she found a way through in Guadalajara.
The American beat fifth-seeded Janice Tjen 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3), recovering from a 5-2 deficit in the second set before closing the match in another breaker. Tjen produced more aces and had chances to extend the contest, yet Stephens was steadier on the points that decided both sets.
The result sends Stephens into the quarterfinals, where she will face fellow American Peyton Stearns. Stearns advanced by defeating fourth-seeded Diane Parry 6-2, 7-5.
Elsewhere in the draw, Sara Bejlek and Cristina Bucsa also moved on. With several seeded players already out, the tournament has opened up heading into the weekend.
Reporting based on tournament results and Reuters/Field Level Media coverage. Featured image: Chris Chondrogiannis via Unsplash.
