Jasmine Paolini vs Elise Mertens Preview & Prediction | 2026 Italian Open | Third Round
by Paul Hassall ·
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Jasmine Paolini meets Elise Mertens in the third round in the 2026 Italian Open at the Foro Italico.
Ranking points: WTA 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
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 Jasmine Paolini vs Elise Mertens ticket information
Jasmine Paolini vs Elise Mertens prediction
Jasmine Paolini overcame an early scare to kick off her title defence with Leolia Jeanjean.
The Italian dropped the opener before powering back to triumph 6-7 6-2 6-4 against the French qualifier.
The ninth seed will now need to find another gear against Elise Mertens, who made short work of an in-form Pann Udvardy courtesy of a 6-4 6-2 success.
This will be their seventh clash with Mertens leading the head-to-head 4-2. It will be a second tussle on clay after Mertens won way back in 2020, so that previous result may not have much impact on how this one goes.
Paolini will be desperate to produce a strong defence of her title in her homeland, but she has not been firing on all cylinders of late and 21st seed Mertens is more than capable of producing the upset in what could be a gruelling battle.
Jasmine Paolini vs Elise Mertens tip: Over 2.5 sets
