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Despite losing form in 2022 and dropping to number 73 in the world rankings Gabi Muguruza is still a 2-time Grand Slam champion. She faces the world number 32 Elise Mertens in what promises to be a thrilling and closely-fought opening round.
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing
Garbine Muguruza vs Elise Mertens – Match Predictions
Contents
This game is expected to be a close affair. Both players have seemingly good chances to enjoy a deep run in the tournament if they emerge as winners from this tricky round 1 clash. Now a closer look at our tennis predictions for this game:
Garbine Muguruza to Win
Despite her struggles in 2022 Muguruza is an ex-number 1 (2017) and she has won both the 2016 French Open and the 2017 Wimbledon titles. She also reached 2 other Grand Slam finals, including the 2020 Australian Open.
In 10 consecutive years of participation in Australian Open Muguruza has never lost in round 1 and her record in Melbourne is impressive – 27 wins and 10 defeats.
Mertens has struggled in this duel in the past and she has lost both previous matches between the players.
Total Sets: 3 Sets
Considering both players abilities to hit the ball hard we expect this to be a match of ups and downs that will go the distance. Mertens is a known fighter, 6 of her last 13 matches on the tour had gone the distance.
Mertens is likely to put up a good fight with this her favourite and most successfully Grand Slam in terms of singles achievements.
Also both previous meetings between the two were close-fought matches.
Garbine Muguruza vs Elise Mertens Preview
After making our Muguruza vs Mertens predictions it’s time to take a closer look at the two players individually as they enter Australian Open 2023:
Garbine Muguruza
Had very difficult 2022. She started the year ranked number 3 in the world, but combination of injury problems, poor form for extended periods and some bad luck with dramatic defeats in close matches saw her drop out of the top 50.
All that said Muguruza remains a notable force and can’t be discounted in any match. She generally elevates her form during Grand Slams where she has reached 4 finals and won 2 titles. Her win-lose ratio when it comes to Grand Slams is 86-37, or 70%. This ranks her in the top 5 in terms of Grand Slam wins among all women that enter the competition this year.
Elise Mertens
Mertens didn’t have hugely successful 2022 either. She started the year inside the world top 20, but ended it outside the top 30. She continued to be major force in doubles, but her only singles titles in 2022 was at WTA250 Monastir where very few quality players took part.
Mertens enjoys her time in Melbourne though and this has been her most successful Grand Slam. She reached at least round 3 in all of her 5 previous Australian Open appearances. Her only Grand Slam semi-final so far also came Down Under back in 2018.
Muguruza vs Mertens Head to Head
Muguruza had won both of the only 2 previous meetings between the players. The most recent match in Dubai in 2021 when the Spaniard had to fight hard for 6:4 7:6 (5) win.
Garbine Muguruza vs Elise Mertens Match Details
When will the match start? The match is scheduled to start at 00:00 am GMT on Tuesday, January 17th.
On which court will the match be played? The match will be played on Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne.
Where to watch AO 2023 in UK? You can watch Australian Open on Eurosport broadcast and online, or stream it on Discovery +.
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