Clervie Ngounoue vs Elise Mertens Preview & Prediction | 2025 Cincinnati Open | Second Round

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Clervie Ngounoue faces Elise Mertens in the second-round of the Cincinnati Open.
Ranking points: WTA 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, USA
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Clervie Ngounoue vs Elise Mertens ticket information
Clervie Ngounoue vs Elise Mertens prediction
Clervie Ngounoue recorded a surprise victory in the first-round of the Cincinnati Open as she defeated Hailey Baptiste in three sets. The world number 221 won seven matches in a row at one point as she recovered from a stumble in the second set to win 6-1 4-6 6-1. The 19-year-old won 80% of her first serve points.
She now goes up against Elise Mertens for a place in the third-round. The Belgian made her return to the tour last week in Montreal but it was not a successful one as she lost in the first-round to Anna Kalinskaya despite winning the first set. Mertens has two titles to her name this season but will want to truly kickstart her hard court summer swing with a victory here.
Ngounoue was fantastic in her last match and could cause Mertens similar problems if she produces a similar level of performance. Nevertheless, the Belgian is ranked nearly 200 places above her opponent and will be expected to come through this comfortably.
Clervie Ngounoue vs Elise Mertens tip: Elise Mertens to win 2-0