Elise Mertens vs Karolina Pliskova Preview & Prediction | 2026 Madrid Open | Third Round
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Elise Mertens takes on Karolina Pliskova in the third-round of the Madrid Open.
Ranking points: WTA 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
Surface: Outdoor clay
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 Karolina Pliskova ticket information
Elise Mertens vs Karolina Pliskova prediction
Elise Mertens strolled into the third-round of the Madrid Open as she thrashed Alexandra Eala. Mertens conceded just three games as she completed a 6-2 6-1 victory after one hour and 16 minutes. The Belgian gave up just one break point as she enjoyed one of her most convincing wins of the year so far.
Her next opponent is former world number one Karolina Pliskova. The Czech defeated Maria Sakkari in straight sets. Pliskova took the first set and was on course for a very comfortable win as she opened up a 4-2 lead in the second. Sakkari would fight back with three straight games, but Pliskova edged clear in the tiebreak to win 6-4 7-6 (6).
Pliskova leads the head-to-head 3-1 and 1-0 on clay, but they’ve not faced each other since 2023. After such a fine performance in the previous round, it’s difficult to look past Mertens for this one.
Elise Mertens vs Karolina Pliskova tip: Elise Mertens to win