2021 Indian Wells Masters Second Round – Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini on and what time does it start? Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini will take place on Friday 8th October, 2021 – not before 20:15 (UK)
Where is Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini taking place? Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA
What surface is Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini being played on? Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini
What channel is Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini on? Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Elise Mertens vs Jasmine Paolini live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
World number 18 Elise Mertens reached the round of 16 at the US Open last month in the singles side of her career for an impressive return but the 25-year-old’s prowess in doubles has continued apace with two more Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open with Aryna Sabalenka and Wimbledon alongside Su-Wei Hsieh. The Belgian number one is an excellent all-court player and a former doubles champion here in 2019 alongside Sabalenka once again. She faces world number 63 Jasmine Paolini, who reached a career-high 61st just last month after winning her first ever WTA title at the Slovenia Open. The Italian’s success there came via three impressive wins over Sorana Cirstea, Yulia Putintseva and Alison Riske.
THE PREDICTION
This is an intriguing clash at this moment of 25-year-old Jasmine Paolini’s career as the Italian’s recent title in Slovenia came as something of a surprise. She has lost both previous encounters with Elise Mertens in 2018 and 2020 on clay, although their most recent encounter came in three tight sets at the Prague Open. Mertens should still win this third meeting, and comfortably on paper, but taking Paolini to win at least a set here or for the match to require three given her form could be a shrewd move.
