Elise Mertens vs Belinda Bencic Preview & Prediction | 2026 Indian Wells Open (BNP Paribas Open) | Third Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

The third-round of Indian Wells sees Elise Mertens take on Belinda Bencic.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time:

Venue: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Elise Mertens vs Belinda Bencic ticket information

Elise Mertens vs Belinda Bencic prediction

Elise Mertens began her Indian Wells campaign in fine fashion, as she defeated Cristina Bucsa in straight sets. Bucsa had just won her first tour-level title in Merida last week, but she was no match for Mertens, who dominated from the start to win 6-2 6-1 after just 54 minutes.

The Belgian faces Belinda Bencic next. The 28-year-old also enjoyed a comfortable victory in the second-round as she beat Storm Hunter. Bencic created 10 break point opportunities and won eight games in a row at one point as she sealed a 6-3 6-2 win.

The head-to-head is 2-1 in Bencic’s favour. They have already played against each other this year, at the United Cup. Bencic dominated the deciding set tiebreak to win, but her form isn’t quite what it was right at the start of the year. Mertens’s strong defensive skills and excellent point construction makes her a difficult opponent in these conditions, and this could be a close encounter. 

Elise Mertens vs Belinda Bencic tip: Both players to win a set