Victoria Azarenka vs Elise Mertens Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA US Open

Prediction published on 08/09/2020, 08:12  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 08/09/2020 at 09:13 in Tennis Predictions

Victoria Azarenka has been zooming up the rankings of late and is a good bet to defeat Elise Mertens in their US Open quarter final. Azarenka came into this tournament ranked 27th in the world, up 32 places after winning the Western & Southern Open. Eight years ago, she was the world number one and recent years have seen her struggle with injuries and off-court distractions. It's seven years since the second of her triumphs in this tournament but this is her first Grand Slam quarter final since the 2016 Australian Open and her first in New York since 2015. Her form is impressive though and only 13 games were lost in her first three matches in this tournament. The fourth round was tougher but she overcame 20th seeded Karolina Muchova after losing the first set. Her victory in the Western & Southern Open saw her defeat Johanna Konta and Donna Vekic before being granted a walkover in the final against Naomi Osaka who pulled out through injury. Perhaps they'll meet in the US Open final?

Elise Martens defeated Sofia Kenin in the fourth round to reach her second successive US Open quarter final. Last year, she was beaten in the last eight by eventual winner Bianca Andreescu, after winning the first set. She did win the women's doubles title here though and Azarenka was one of the losing finalists. Mertens has yet to drop a set in this tournament and looked in impressive form when beating the 2020 Australian Open champion in the fourth round. This is going to be a tight battle between these two players. Mertens can win it though to reach only her second Grand Slam semi-final.