Jenny’s comeback after more than 2 years out with an injury!

At 30 years old, the former Australian Open finalist (2021) is making one of the most anticipated comebacks of the 2026 season after an 848-day absence due to a serious knee injury. She returned to competition in January with a promising semifinal run at the San Diego ITF. Historically coached by Michael Geserer, she relies on her “monstrous” heavy topspin forehand and a first serve that remains one of the heaviest on tour. Physically, she says she feels ready, even though this match is only her seventh since coming back.

A former champion here in Miami (2018), Sloane Stephens is also going through a rebuilding year. After an almost blank 2025 season because of a stress fracture in her right foot, she had to go through qualifying at the Australian Open in January (a first since 2011). Surrounded by her longtime coach Kamau Murray and her family, she’s taking a more relaxed approach, vlogging behind the scenes and above all trying to “have fun.” Her court coverage is still her main asset, but her lack of power and stamina against big hitters at the top level has been glaring this year. Sloane has also just gone through a divorce, adding even more instability to this labored comeback.

The most fun part is that these two champions have never played each other in an official match, only in exhibitions! Jenny, in these first 6 matches, has always taken at least one set and is battling it out against the young guns of the WTA. For Sloane, it’s really much tougher.