Elise Mertens vs Anastasia Zakharova Prediction & Betting Tips - Jasmin Open Monastir

Prediction published on 09/09/2024, 02:27  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 09/09/2024 at 02:33 in Tennis Predictions

Top seed Elise Mertens’ defence of her Monastir title will start against unseeded Anastasia Zakharova in the first round. Let’s have a look at the Tuesday match and a prediction.

Mertens has returned to the Jasmine Open, where she is yet to lose a match. The Belgian has won the two editions of this tournament. Last year she defended her title without dropping a single set.

Mertens, who has compiled a 24-21 record, is coming off a strong performance at the US Open. She made it to the fourth round as the 33rd seed, defeating Veronika Kudermetova and Madison Keys along the way.

The world number 32 would lose in straight sets to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. Mertens has claimed 14 of her total wins on hard courts and was a finalist in Hobart earlier in the year.

Anastasia Zakharova hasn’t won a main draw match at a tour event since her amazing run at the Australian Open in January. The Russian produced her best-ever performance at a major by reaching the third round in Melbourne as a qualifier.

Since then she has participated in six more tour events and hasn’t been able to claim a main draw victory. Zakharova, who won an ITF title in Figueira da Foz back in July, lost in US Open qualifying last time out.

The 22-year-old, who has dropped to 146th in the live ranking, has compiled a 19-15 record. Playing predominantly in the ITF circuit, she has claimed 15 of her wins on hard courts. This will be their first career meeting, and the winner will play Lesia Tsurenko or Eva Lys next.