(MENAFN- Kora) Slovakian Cibulkova performed superbly at the opening grand slam of 2014, beating the likes of Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and Agnieszka Radwanska on her way to the final
However, Cibulkova could not claim victory in her maiden grand slam final, succumbing to a 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 defeat to Li Na
The world number 13 has struggled for form since her outstanding run to the women's showpiece in Melbourne, losing both of her singles rubbers in Slovakia's Fed Cup tie with Germany before pulling out of the Qatar Open in the first round due to illness
Cibulkova is the highest ranked player at the WTA International hard-court event, but the world number 13 is unlikely to have it all her own way as she seeks a fourth career WTA title.
Canadian Bouchard may well provide her main test following a sterling performance at the Australian Open that saw the teenager surge into the semi-finals
Bouchard also saw her challenge in Melbourne ended by Li and, much like Cibulkova, has found results difficult to come by since that loss
Indeed, Bouchard was knocked out in the first round of the Qatar Open by American Bethanie Mattek-Sands earlier this month and was then surprisingly beaten by Germany's Annika Beck in qualifying for the Dubai Tennis Championships
Despite her recent struggles, Bouchard is sure to among the contenders in Acapulco, although Kaia Kanepi and Daniela Hantuchova will also be vying to reach the latter stages of the tournament
Kanepi was eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open, but undoubtedly has the ability to challenge in Mexico, as was showcased when she progressed to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon last year
Meanwhile, Hantuchova will have extra motivation to produce a strong showing after withdrawing in the first round of the Qatar Open because of a knee injury
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