Elise Mertens vs Lanlana Tararudee Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | First Round
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Elise Mertens plays Lanlana Tararudee in the first-round of the Australian Open.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Elise Mertens vs Lanlana Tararudee ticket information
Elise Mertens vs Lanlana Tararudee prediction
Elise Mertens arrives in Melbourne as a veteran of sorts at this point of her career. She is currently ranked 21 in the world and enjoyed a strong 2025 season, picking up multiple WTA titles, including the Singapore Open and Libema Open, while also reaching finals at other events and posting a strong win-loss record overall. She has a wealth of experience at this stage and has already competed in a few matches at the United Cup this season.
Lanlana Tararudee is her opponent in the first-round. She is making her debut in a Grand Slam main draw after battling through qualifying. She is currently ranked 131 in the world but showed encouraging form in 2025 as she reached her first WTA 125 final at the Porto Open and climbed steadily up the rankings.
Mertens is a smart and versatile competitor, and she should have too much for Tararudee in this round one match.
Elise Mertens vs Lanlana Tararudee tip: Elise Mertens to win 2-0
