Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs Elise Mertens Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Libema Open

Prediction published on 09/06/2026, 23:25  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 11/06/2026 at 06:40 in Tennis Predictions

Third seed Elise Mertens and the unseeded Elena-Gabriela Ruse will square off in the second round in Hertogenbosch. This is a repeat of last year’s final that Mertens won, and in our prediction, we are backing her to extend the dominance.

Ruse will be out to avenge the loss to Mertens here last season. The Belgian, who was on the brink of the perfect debut campaign in Hertogenbosch, was denied her second tour title by her compatriot.

So far, she has been in strong form to start the week, defeating Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets in the first round. Ruse, a winner of 15 matches so far this season, has a semi-final finish in Linz as her season highlight.

Despite her opening round victory, she has dropped a massive 18 places in the live ranking, ending up out of the top 100.

Elise Mertens has also seen a tumble in the live rankings despite winning her opening round fixture. The Libema Open's defending champion has dropped two places to 24th.

Mertens defeated Bianca Andreescu in straight sets to begin her title defence. She has now won 18 of 28 matches so far this season. The 30-year-old, who is competing at this event for an eighth time, is unbeaten against her compatriot, winning all four previous duels.