Elise Mertens vs Elena Rybakina Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Wimbledon Championships

Prediction published on 03/07/2026, 19:05  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 03/07/2026 at 19:10 in Tennis Predictions

Second seed Elena Rybakina faces 25th seed Elise Mertens in her quest for a second Wimbledon crown. They will square off in the third round to mark their ninth career meeting, which is also their third at a major. With seven wins against Mertens, this prediction backs Rybakina.

Mertens hopes winning five times on grass this term gives her enough momentum for a rare win against Rybakina. The Belgian, who is 5-3 on grass, has registered only one win against Rybakina.

To set up this showdown, Mertens eliminated Maria Timofeeva to improve to 22 total wins in 35 outings. Mertens is halfway through defending 240 points won in a fourth-round finish here last season.

Rybakina has dominated this fixture; the world number two is currently on a six-match winning streak against her Belgian opponent. She won their most recent meeting, in the fourth round at this year’s Australian Open.

With this one-sided hold on this fixture, Rybakina should be able to continue at SW19 and strengthen her chances for the title. The 2022 Wimbledon champion, Rybakina, defeated Caty McNally in the last round.

She had a disappointing Wimbledon campaign last season, as she lost in the third-round. It was the first time since the title win that she had failed to reach at least the quarter-finals.