Elise Mertens vs Danielle Collins Prediction & Betting Tips - Chicago 2, USA, Qualifying

Prediction published on 29/09/2021, 11:43  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 29/09/2021 at 12:43 in Tennis Predictions

Elise Mertens is seeded seventh for the Chicago Falls Tennis Classic. Her opponent in this third round (last 16) match is Danielle Collins, who is seeded tenth. Mertens is the world number 18 but has been as high as 14th during this year. The Belgian has won one title this year but that was back in January, when winning the Gippsland Trophy. Only one match had to be played to win that, beating Kaia Kanepi for the loss of five games. Since then, Mertens has made the final of a clay court tournament held in Istanbul and the semi-finals in San Jose. In Grand Slam events, her best has been getting to the fourth round in both Australia and the US Open. More success has been had on the doubles court, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles. So far in this tournament, she's had a win over Dayana Yastremska in straight sets.

World number 28 Danielle Collins is chasing her third title of the year. Wins have come in Palermo (clay court) and San Jose (hard court) at the end of July and start of August. That kind of form hasn't been maintained though with only a last 64 in Cincinnati and the third round at the US Open (both players beaten were outside the top 100). This week, the American has defeated Kirsten Flipkens and then had to come from behind to beat Misaki Doi in the second round. Her only previous singles match against Mertens was three years ago at Wimbledon and she lost that in straight sets. Mertens looks to be in the better form at present, go for her to get the win.