New world no.16 Elise Mertens will go toe to toe against Canada’s rising star Leylah Fernandez in the first round of the 2021 Australian Open on Tuesday, February 9. The match will be played at 11 am local time. Get the live streaming options of this Elise Mertens v Leylah Fernandez match along with its preview, head to head, and tips here.
Looking to watch 2021 Australian Open live streaming online?
- For tennis fans in the UK, Europe, Australia & elsewhere go to bet365 > Tennis > Live Streaming here* to watch & bet on the ATP & WTA tennis live.
- Get all the other Australian Open 2021 live streaming options here
[the_ad id=”14063″]
*Advertisement. Geo-restrictions apply & pre-funded account needed
Elise Mertens v Leylah Fernandez Head to Head
This will be a first meeting between Mertens ranked 16th in the world, against Fernandez – an opponent ranked 70 spots below her in the rankings.
Also Read:
Mertens Claims Gippsland Trophy
Since the start of last season, no WTA player has won as many matches as Elise Mertens. The Belgian claimed her sixth career title at the Gippsland Trophy, simultaneously ending her one-year trophy drought. She beat in-form Kaia Kanepi in straight sets to win her fifth match of the season.
The 25-year-old who now jumps a couple of spots in the rankings, has won three of her six titles on Australian soil, having captured the Hobart International trophy on two occasions.
Mertens’ consistency is not just winning matches, but the manner in which she puts away her opponents with relative ease. Take an example in the championship match against Kanepi, a player whose raw power trumps nearly every player on the women’s tour. Incredibly, Mertens fired more winners (18 to 14), and converted all four of the break points she manufactured in the match.
The Belgian is an excellent counterpuncher, but uses her variety in creating angles with her groundstrokes and is stubbornly patient when it comes to wear down her opponents and taking her chances. Mertens has now won 27 of her past 34 matches dating back to August 2020.
She is a former semifinalist at the Australian Open (2018).
[the_ad id=”30344″]
Rough Start For Canadian Teenager
Leylah Fernandez is a breed of new Canadian talent ascending the global tennis ranks. But she has made a rough start in her 2021 campaign. In Abu Dhabi, she was bounced out in the second round at the hands of Tamara Zidansek. And at the Grampians Trophy, she continued her remarkable winning streak against Sloane Stephens, but dissipated against Maria Sakkari in the second round again.
Fernandez has had an excellent junior career and is looking to translate that on the main tour. She reached the Australian Open Girl’s singles final, and won the French Open junior’s champion just a couple of years ago. Her rapid progress did not delay.
The 18-year-old, being coached by a former soccer play, gained her biggest win when she beat Belinda Bencic at the Billie Jean King Cup at last year’s must win tie for her country. Less than a month later, she reached her first WTA final in Acapulco, finishing runner-up to Heather Watson.
Melbourne is a special city for this energetic left-hander. She made her Grand Slam debut at last year’s Australian Open, and also participated at the US and French Opens.
Mertens v Fernandez Prediction and Tip
Fernandez is the newest kid on the block playing some good stuff. But the experience of Mertens is a huge factor in this match. The Belgian is also riding in confidence, don’t expect a different result unfolding here.
Tip: Mertens to win in straight sets: 4/6 (bet365)
[the_ad id=”30513″]
The 2021 Australian Open will be played from February 8 to 21. You can watch & bet on the these matches here. Get your latest premium tennis predictions here.
Be the first to comment