San Diego Open: Former US Open champ Stephens sets up second round clash against Garcia

American Sloane Stephens advanced to the last 16 of the Cymbiotika San Diego Open by beating Belgian Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday.

Stephens, ranked No 36 in the world, will face second seed Caroline Garcia next.

The Frenchwoman holds a slim 4-3 edge over Stephens in career head-to-head but the American has won their last two meetings, including a three-set win in Cincinnati last month.

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