WTA Madrid Open 2021: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

WTA Madrid Open 2021: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens

In the third quarter-final at the WTA Madrid Open 2021, World No. 7 and the 5th seed Aryna Sabalenka will be up against World No. 16 and the 13th seed Elise Mertens.

Match Details

  • Tournament: WTA Madrid Open 2021
  • Match: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens
  • Round: Quarter-final 
  • Date: 5th May, 2021
  • Prize Money: €58,370
  • Venue: Madrid, Spain 
  • Surface: Clay Court

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens : Preview

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka has made a very strong start to the 2021 season, winning the Abu Dhabi Open 2021 which was also her 2nd title in as many appearances as she had also won the Upper Austria Linz 2020. She also reached quarter-finals on two occasions and comes to Madrid from the Stuttgart Open where she finished as the runner-up. She sets-up this quarter-final tie with 3 consecutive straight sets victory.

Elise Mertens has also been great in the 2021 season, winning the Gippsland Trophy 2021 in Australia. Post her victory, she has been part of 1 semi-final and comes to Madrid from the 2021 Istanbul Open where she lost in the finals. At the Madrid Open 2021, she won her first two games in straight sets and won the third round in 3-sets to move into the quarters.

FS Video

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens : Head to Head

Elise Mertens
Elise Mertens

The duo have quite a rivalry on the tour with 6 meetings between them. The last meeting between them came in the finals of the Upper Austria Linz 2020 which Sabalenka won and Mertens would surely be looking to get one back.

YouTube video

Mertens was victorious in their only clay meeting and last won against Sabalenka in 2018 and has faced defeats in 3 consecutive meetins. Aryna Sabalenka currently leads the head-to-head tie 4-2.

Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens : Prediction

Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka

Both the players are in great form and it is difficult to predict who will emerge victorious in the match. However, Sabalenka has a little bit of advantage as Mertens was involved in a long R16 game that went to 3-sets and lasted for more than 2.5 hours which could make the Belgian feeling fatigued. Nevertheless, it will be an exciting clash for the fans to watch.

Prediction: Aryna Sabalenka to win in 3-sets.

Also Read: WTA Madrid Open 2021: Paula Badosa vs Belinda Bencic-Preview, Head to Head and Prediction