Varvara Gracheva vs Elise Mertens Preview & Prediction | 2025 Charleston Open | Second Round

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After defeating Harriet Dart in the first round, Varvara Gracheva now faces 13th seed Elise Mertens for a place in the third round of the Charleston Open.

Ranking points: WTA 500

Start date/time: Wednesday 2nd April, 2025: UK – not before TBC / US ET – not before TBC / US PT – not before TBC

Venue: Family Circle Tennis Center, Charleston, USA

Surface: Outdoor clay

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Varvara Gracheva vs Elise Mertens ticket information

Varvara Gracheva vs Elise Mertens prediction

Varvara Gracheva overcame a stumble in the second set to defeat Harriet Dart 6-1 6-7 6-1 and advance through to the second round of the tournament. Despite committing three double faults, her 71% first serve was vital to her victory, while her ability to earn break point opportunities in the first and third sets allowed her to race clear in both and ultimately win the contest.

Elise Mertens will prove to be a far tougher test for the French number one. Mertens has not been at her best since winning the Singapore Open, with second-round losses at Indian Wells and Miami to Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek respectively, but will hope to return to winning ways when she begins her clay court season against Gracheva on Wednesday.

Mertens, who has made five clay court finals on the WTA Tour in her career, should have too much for Gracheva and advance to the next round.

Varvara Gracheva vs Elise Mertens tip: Elise Mertens to win