Zheng Qinwen vs Elise Mertens Preview & Prediction | 2026 China Open | Semi-Final

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Zheng Qinwen faces Elise Mertens in the first-round of the Shanghai Masters. 

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: 10 October 2026 at 12:00 pm

Venue: National Tennis Center, Beijing, China

Surface: Outdoor hard

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 Zheng Qinwen vs Elise Mertens ticket information

Zheng Qinwen vs Elise Mertens prediction

Zheng Qinwen progressed to the semi-finals of the China Open for the first time in her career after beating Elina Svitolina in straight sets. The 2024 Olympic champion delighted the home crowd, completing a 6-3 7-6 (6) win after one hour and 47 minutes. The 24-year-old had required three sets to win her first four matches of the tournament, but she was able to get the job done in straights this time around.

Her next opponent is Elise Mertens. The Belgian continued her fantastic run with a straight sets win over 2023 champion Iga Swiatek. Mertens, who beat world number four Coco Gauff in the round-of-16, did not concede a break point on her way to a 7-6 (0) 6-3 win.

These two met have met on one previous occasion, with Zheng winning in three sets last year at the Charleston Open. Mertens is enjoying her best run of the season, but Zheng has now won 12 of her last 14 matches, including qualifiers. She appears to be rediscovering her best form and has an excellent opportunity to reach the final on home soil. 

Zheng Qinwen vs Elise Mertens tip: Zheng Qinwen to win