Varvara Gracheva vs Elise Mertens Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Charleston Open

Prediction published on 03/04/2024, 01:12  by Daniel Ngulu in Tennis Predictions

Elise Mertens, the 11th seed, and qualifier Varvara Gracheva are set to meet at the Charleston Open. They will square off in the second round with the winner taking on either Elina Svitolina or Daria Saville next. Varvara Gracheva has found form by switching to clay. She has won her last three clay matches and before arriving in Charleston, had managed just four wins in 12 outings. This should have her confident of a prolonged campaign here as she plots to get to a winning record. Gracheva has compiled a 7-9 record. She was in fine form in the first round against the wildcard Clervie Ngounoue and won their tie in straight sets. The Frenchwoman has now moved up eight places in the live ranking to 92nd. This is Gracheva’s third appearance in Charleston. Last season she fell in this very round.

Elise Mertens has also never gone past the second round in Charleston. The Belgian, who is returning to this event after a three-year hiatus, has lost in this very round in her two appearances. But as she has a head-to-head advantage on Gracheva, she will be confident of snapping this run. Mertens defeated Gracheva two seasons ago on clay at the French Open in their only encounter. The 28-year-old is making her season debut on clay. She has so far had a rocky campaign compiling a 10-8 record. Despite her inconsistencies, she has produced a runner-up finish in Hobart as well as a run to the fourth round at Indian Wells. Mertens is currently ranked 30th in the WTA world rankings.