Elise Mertens vs Kimberly Birrell Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Japan Open

Prediction published on 16/10/2024, 01:44  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 16/10/2024 at 01:51 in Tennis Predictions

Third seed Elise Mertens takes on qualifier Kimberly Birrell in the second round of the 2024 Japan Women’s Open. They will clash early on Thursday and here is our preview and prediction of this match.

Mertens made a dominant return to this event after five years away, defeating Mai Hontama in straight sets. She overpowered the Japanese number four by the loss of just two games to snap a two-match skid.

The Belgian will hope for another strong performance as she looks to overcome her recent struggles. Before arriving here, the 28-year-old had lost four times in six outings.

Mertens is a former Osaka semi-finalist, a feat she achieved in 2019, which was also her debut campaign. This year’s Hobart finalist has dropped nine places in the live ranking and is currently placed 36th.

Kimberly Birrell is on a three-match winning run and will hope the momentum takes her past this round. The Briton began her campaign in the qualifying rounds where she needed a decider in both matches.

In the main draw, however, she was more decisive, defeating Zheng Saisai in straight sets. Her 36th win of the season was only her second main draw victory at tour level this year.

The only other time she won a main draw tie, she reached the quarter-finals – in Nottingham.

Birrell, who has predominantly featured in the ITF and Challenger circuits, has made a 13-place leap in the rankings. She is now 137th in the live ranking.

This will be the duo’s first career meeting and the winner will battle wildcard Sara Saito or fifth seed Elina Avanesyan next.