Wuhan Open 2024: Donna Vekic vs Elise Mertens preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (15) Donna Vekic vs Elise Mertens
Date: 7 October, 2024
Tournament: 2024 Wuhan Open
Round: First-Round (Round of 64)
Venue: Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hardcourt (Outdoor)
Prize Money: $3,221,715
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Donna Vekic vs Elise Mertens preview
15th seed Donna Vekic is slated to open her 2024 Wuhan Open campaign against World No. 29 in a blockbuster first-round encounter on Monday, October 7.
Vekic arrives in Wuhan following a disappointing second-round exit at the China Open, where she lost to Mirra Andreeva despite winning the first set. She reached the fourth round at the US Open before going down to Zheng Qinwen.
Vekic's standout achievement this season was winning the silver medal at the Olympics. She also reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon. She made the final in Bad Homburg, losing to Diana Shnaider, in what was a tremendously successful grasscourt swing.
Elise Mertens also suffered a second-round defeat at the China Open, losing to Cristina Bucșa despite taking the first set. Before that, she impressed with a strong run at the US Open, reaching the fourth round where she fell to eventual champion and close friend Aryna Sabalenka.
Aside from her success on the doubles circuit this year, Mertens has made one final this year in Hobart at the start of the season, losing to Emma Navarro. She's also made a couple of quarterfinal appearances in Linz and Charleston, along with third-round finishes in Indian Wells and Paris.
Donna Vekic vs Elise Mertens head-to-head
Donna Vekic and Elise Mertens have yet to face off in professional competition. Hence, their head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Donna Vekic vs Elise Mertens odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Donna Vekic vs Elise Mertens prediction
Donna Vekic comes into this match with a 26-18 record for the season, with most of her success on grass and clay. Despite reaching one hardcourt semifinal, she has struggled with consistency and has frequently lost matches from winning positions.
Elise Mertens, with a 26-23 record, has faced similar challenges this year. Like Vekic, she has struggled to find consistency and has been unable to defeat higher-seeded players. Her high unforced error count has also often been a setback in her pursuit of more success.
On paper, Vekic appears stronger, but Mertens is capable of pulling off an upset, though it has been a rare occurrence this season. Both players should benefit from the conditions in Wuhan, but Vekic could hold a slight edge due to her superior defensive skills.
Ultimately it could boil down to whoever serves better and tasks the initiative early on the return. Attacking the net and keeping points short will also be key in the hot conditions in Wuhan.
Pick: Vekic in straight sets.