Sloane Stephens vs Elise Mertens prediction and odds: San Diego Open 2023

The first round of the San Diego Open sees Sloane Stephens and Elise Mertens lock horns at the Barnes Tennis Center. The duo have been struggling for momentum and will have their eyes on the $780,637 prize money.

Our favourite Sloane Stephens vs Elise Mertens – match predictions

Stephens and Mertens are meeting each other on the court after a five-year gap. Their prior meetings in 2018 saw blows exchanged with both competitors boasting of a win against the other.

Elise Mertens to win @ 4/5 (1.80)

Stephens has not been as active on the courts and arrives on the back of a first-round exit at the US Open. Mertens lasted until the third round and her exit came at the hands of Coco Gauff, who was eventually crowned champion. There is little to separate the two based on the current form or h2h, which stands at 1-1. As they meet in the first round of the San Diego Open, we are backing the Belgian ace, who strived under pressure at Flushing Meadows and went further than her rival.

2-1 to Elise Mertens @ 17/5 (4.40)

While we are backing Mertens to triumph, we do not believe it will be easy. Stephens can complicate matters for anyone and the Belgian ace has first-hand knowledge of it. Her defeat against Haddad Maia saw her give a good account of her abilities, forcing a deciding set. This has been the case in Mertens’ last five matches as well, all of which have been three-setters in which she has triumphed on three occasions. Based on this, we are anticipating another three-setter, one that finishes in favour of Mertens.

The odds in this article were correct at the time of writing, and the odds are subject to change. We recommend checking with your bookmaker before placing a bet.

Sloane Stephens vs Elise Mertens: American-Belgian duo meet after five years

Our predictions for this match have now been established, let’s see how these players have fared so far this season for the latest tennis betting tips and predictions here.

Sloane Stephens preview

Stephens has not been active as much as she would like to be after the French Open. On the British grass court swing, she only participated in the Championships and could only get to the second round. Returning to North America, she was knocked out of Citi Open at the first hurdle before reaching the third round in Montreal and Cincinnati. She went a step further in Cleveland but her momentum was cut short at Flushing Meadows with Beatriz Haddad Maia defeating her in the first round.

Elise Mertens preview

The Belgian ace struggled to give her best on the North American hardcourt swing. She was knocked out in the first round of the Citi Open and Canadian Open. In Cincinnati, she upset Madison Keys before bowing out. At the US Open, she reached the third round after defeating Danielle Collins and Mirijam Bjorklund before heading into eventual champion Coco Gauff. Despite the result, Mertens will be pleased with the result as the margin of victory was slim and Gauff had to get by on a deciding set.

Sloane Stephens vs Elise Mertens head-to-head

Duels between Sloane and Elise have seen parity, with both competitors claiming a victory apiece against each other. Interestingly, both of their prior meetings were in the 2018 campaign, with Mertens triumphing in Cincinnati with Stephens avenging her defeat a fortnight later in the 2018 US Open.

• When will this match start? This match starts at 18:00 GMT on 11 September.
• What is the prize money for San Diego Open 2023? The total prize money for San Diego Open 2023 is $780,637.
• Who is the reigning San Diego Open champion? Iga Swiatek is the reigning San Diego Open champion.