Elena Rybakina vs Elise Mertens Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Australian Open

Prediction published on 24/01/2026, 19:41  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 26/01/2026 at 01:55 in Tennis Predictions

Elise Mertens, the 21st seed, has once again made it to the second week at the Australian Open and will next face fifth seed Elena Rybakina. These two have met seven times previously, and this is their second meeting at a major. Read on for our prediction of the match.

Rybakina has dominated this fixture with Mertens. She has won six times against the Belgian and is unbeaten on hard courts with five victories.

The world number five has gone on to make three tour finals after facing off with Mertens, winning once. She will hope for much of the same as she seeks her second slam title.

Rybakina, a finalist in Melbourne three years ago, defeated Tereza Valentova in the last round.

Elise Mertens will compete in the second week in Melbourne for the first time since 2022. The Belgian, who had lost in the second round in each of her last two appearances, is a former semi-finalist at this major.

She achieved this feat in 2018, and it remains her best-ever result at a Slam. Mertens, whose only win against Rybakina was achieved on a clay surface, is having a strong season.

She has won six of seven matches and is yet to drop a set this week. The world number 21 defeated the qualifier Nikola Bartunkova by the loss of just four games in the third round.