WTA Miami Open 2021: Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

WTA Miami Open 2021: Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens

Naomi Osaka, second seed at the Miami Open 2021 will face the Belgian, Elise Mertens in the second round clash on Monday. The Japanese received a walkover in the third round and is ranked second in the WTA Rankings, whereas, Mertens is ranked 17th in the world.

Match Details

  • Tournament: WTA Miami Open 2021
  • Match: Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens
  • Round: Fourth Round 
  • Date: 29th March, 2021
  • Prize Money: $40,000
  • Venue: Miami, Florida 
  • Surface: Outdoor Hard Court

Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens: Match Preview

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka last played at the Australian Open 2021 where she won the title defeating Jennifer Brady in the finals. In the first round of the Miami Open, she received a bye by virtue of being the second seed. In the second round, she defeated Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets. In the third round, she received a walkover after her opponent, Nina Stojanovic had to withdraw from the match due to an injury.

Elise Mertens also received a bye in the first round by virtue of being the 16th seed. In the second round, she defeated Katie Boulter in straight sets in the second round, dropping just six games. In the third round, she defeated the 22nd seed, Anett Kontaveit in a thrilling three set victory. Mertens looks to be in fine form and can be a tricky opponent to come up against.

YouTube video

Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens: Head-to-Head

Elise Mertens
Elise Mertens

The duo have clashed against each other on three occasions, with Osaka leading the head to head record, 2-1. Their last meeting was at the Cincinnati Open 2020, where the Japanese won the semifinals in straight sets.

Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens: Match Prediction

YouTube video

Naomi Osaka is the certain favorite to win the last 16 encounter and continue her unbeaten. The Japanese has claimed back to back Grandslam titles on the hard court surface and is the player to beat at the Miami Open 2021. Elise Mertens will have to play her best tennis if she is to have a chance of taking a set off the Japanese. After Simona Halep’s withdrawal in the third round of Miami Open, Osaka is the favorite to lift the title.

Match Prediction: Naomi Osaka to win in straight sets

Also Read: WTA Miami Open 2021: Aryna Sabalenka vs Marketa Vondrousova- Preview, Head to Head and Prediction