Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Australian Open
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by Daniel Ngulu | in Tennis Predictions
The qualifier Nikola Bartunkova is having an exciting Australian Open campaign and faces 21st seed Elise Mertens next, hoping to keep her run going. They will meet in the third round to mark their first-ever showdown. Below is our prediction for this match.
Elise Mertens is having a strong week and start to the season. The Belgian, who has won five of six contests in 2026, is yet to lose a set this week with two matches played.
To move into the third round, Mertens, a former Melbourne semi-finalist, defeated Moyuki Uchijima by the loss of four games. It was her first second-round win here since 2023. Mertens, who is placed 22nd in the live ranking, is seeking to make the second week for a fifth time.
Nikola Bartunkova is creating headlines in Melbourne. The 19-year-old is debuting at this major and has won five straight fixtures.
Having gained some momentum with three wins in the qualifying rounds, Bartunkova has fought against the odds to reach this round. She began by ousting Daria Kasatkina in three sets in the first round to register her first-ever win at a major.
This would be the same fate that would befall the 10th seed, Belinda Bencic. Bartunkova showed a relentless determination to win against the world number nine, who had yet to lose in 2026.
The Czech player has now shot up 19 places to 107th in the live ranking.
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Elise Mertens v Nikola Bartunkova Best Betting Odds
| Bookmaker | 1 | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1.3 | 3.54 |
|
|
1.26 | 3.84 |
|
|
1.29 | 3.75 |
|
|
1.26 | 3.5 |
|
|
1.28 | 3.4 |
|
Who will win the Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova Tennis game?
Our prediction for the Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova match is: more than 2.5 sets.
The best winner predictions and betting odds for the Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova game on 23/01/2026 of the current WTA Australian Open season:
- Elise Mertens has a 63.63% chance to win against Nikola Bartunkova according to Shangrila ⭐ with the odds of 1.31.
- Nikola Bartunkova has a 36.37% probability of winning facing Elise Mertens ⭐ with odds of 3.84 at Betwinner.
Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova Best Prediction and Odds
Based on the bookmaker's betting lines in this match, Elise Mertens has a 63.63 % chance to win.
| Prediction | Chance to win |
|---|---|
| Elise Mertens | 63.63 % |
| Nikola Bartunkova | 36.37 % |
Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova Form
Elise Mertens and Nikola Bartunkova Last Matches
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
21 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
19 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
9 Jan 2026 - United Cup
8 Jan 2026 - United Cup
5 Jan 2026 - United Cup
2 Jan 2026 - United Cup
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
22 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
20 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
14 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
11 Jan 2026 - WTA Australian Open
16 Nov 2025 - Billie Jean King Cup
14 Nov 2025 - Billie Jean King Cup
Elise Mertens - Nikola Bartunkova Key Points
- Mertens has won 285 matches on hard courts.
- Bartunkova has been victorious in 27 of 38 hard-court duels.
- Mertens and Bartunkova have each won five matches in 2026.
- A decider has been played in both of Bartunkova’s matches this week.
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Our Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova Prediction
Our prediction for Elise Mertens v Nikola Bartunkova is for more than 2.5 sets. Bartunkova is having a career-defining run this week and has built up incredible momentum. She will therefore be confident of causing another upset and making it to the next round.
Mertens is the more experienced player of the two and is highly favored to win. We, therefore, are set to witness an exciting showdown with both players within reach of the next round. Seeing both players win at least one set is very likely, given that they are both hard-court specialists.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
