2021 Istanbul Cup Semi-Final – Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova taking place? Istanbul Tennis Center, Istanbul, Turkey
When is Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova on and what time does it start? Saturday 24th April, 2021 – not before 13:00 (UK)
What surface is Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova? This event will take place without spectators
What channel is Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Elise Mertens vs Veronika Kudermetova? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live via their platform.
THE PREDICTION
First seed Elise Mertens put in a more assured performance in her quarter-final victory over Katerina Siniakova than her previous match against Viktorija Golubic but the Belgian will have to be at her best to get past Veronika Kudermetova. The Russian is the third seed here in Istanbul after an excellent week in Charleston last time out saw her claim her first ever WTA title and the 23-year-old has all the momentum. Mertens leads their head-to-head record 2-0 with two wins on hard courts last year and way back in 2016 but the world number 29 is clearly a handful o this surface and Mertens has been caught a little cold before at this stage of tournaments. The safest option here is to opt for three sets with both players in decent form but Kudermetova’s win in Charleston a fortnight ago and her performance on Friday against Bogdan suggests she can reach back-to-back finals here.
