Elise Mertens vs Naomi Osaka Preview & Prediction | 2026 Canadian Open (National Bank Open presented by Rogers) | Third Round

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Naomi Osaka takes on Elise Mertens at the Toronto Open.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: 7 August 2026 at 10:00 pm

Venue: Sobeys Stadium, Toronto, Canada

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 Naomi Osaka ticket information

Elise Mertens vs Naomi Osaka prediction

Elise Mertens came from a set down to beat Anna Bondar as she advanced to the next stage of the Canadian Open. Mertens was also a break down in the decider but reeled off the final three games to win 3-6 6-4 6-4. It was not the strongest of displays from the Belgian, who also failed to serve out the second set on two occasions after storming into a 5-0 lead.

She faces Naomi Osaka next. The four-time Grand Slam champion set up a meeting with Mertens after a comfortable win over Panna Udvardy. Osaka, who reached the final of this event last year, won 83% of her first serve points as she claimed a 6-2 6-4 victory after one hour and 13 minutes. 

Osaka leads the head-to-head 5-3, but it’s 3-3 on outdoor hard court. They met earlier this year at the Bad Homburg Open, with the Japanese player winning 6-3 6-3. She has been one of the most consistent players over the past two months, and Mertens will have to be at her best to get a result.

Elise Mertens vs Naomi Osaka tip: Under 21.5 games