Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang – Third Round – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Australian Open
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang on and what time does it start? Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang will take place on Saturday 22nd January, 2022 – not before 02:00 (UK)
Where is Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang taking place? Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang being played on? Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang
What channel is Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang on in the UK? Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang live on their website, while Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
ELISE MERTENS
19th seed Elise Mertens is yet to drop a set at the Australian Open with assured victories over Vera Zvonareva and irina-Camelia Begu. The 26-year-old won the sixth WTA title of her career almost a year ago at the Gippsland Trophy, sharing it with Ann Li after the final clashed with the start of the delayed Australian Open. Mertens is defending her Women’s Doubles title here alongside Veronika Kudermetova, with the third seeds already through to the third round.
SHUAI ZHANG
World number 74 Shuai Zhang broke Elena Rybakina twice before the 12th seed was forced to retire from their second round match on Thursday. The former world number 23 turned 33 on Friday but it was an unhappy day on court as she crashed out of the Women’s Doubles with Sam Stosur from a set up against Bernarda Pera and Magda Linette. Zhang has reached the quarter-finals of two Grand Slams: here in 2016 and more recently at Wimbledon back in 2019.
THE PREDICTION
Mertens leads a head-to-head record with Shuai Zhang 2-1 after beating the Chinese in straight sets at the Madrid Open last year on clay but they are one win apiece on hardcourts, with Mertens winning at the Canadian Open and Zhang winning in Beijing back in 2018. The Belgian looks the solid favourite to come through on paper but then again world number 74 Zhang has come through two opponents as the underdog now, Rybakina’s injury aside. Taking Mertens to win outright should come through but inside an accumulator the sensible option looks like taking the 19th seed to earn at least a set as the likelier winner.
