🎾 WTA Charleston: Zheng Qinwen vs Elise Mertens

🎾 WTA Charleston: Zheng Qinwen vs Elise Mertens – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇨🇳 Zheng Qinwen

• 🔥 Momentum regained: Opened with a dominant 6–4, 6–1 win over Sakkari, riding high after WTA 1000 QFs in Indian Wells and Miami.
• 🌱 Clay credentials: Two-time Palermo champion and 2024 Olympic gold medalist—both on clay.
• 💥 Heavy artillery: Explosive forehand, improving movement, and growing tactical patience make her a top clay threat.

🇧🇪 Elise Mertens

• ⚖️ Reliable at 250 level: Finalist in Hobart, champion in Singapore, but struggles at higher-tier events.
• 👣 Mixed Charleston history: QF in 2024, but two prior early exits.
• ⚠️ Clay struggles vs elite: Just 2–8 vs top-10 players on clay, and those wins came at lower-tier events.
• ✅ Solid start this week: Beat Varvara Gracheva 6–3, 7–5 in a tricky opener.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Zheng enters this matchup in high gear, bringing serious firepower and confidence to Charleston’s green clay. Her ability to dictate with her forehand and maintain intensity through extended rallies makes her a dangerous opponent for Mertens, whose defense and baseline consistency may not be enough to turn the tide.

Mertens will need to play with precision, especially on return, to exploit Zheng’s second serve. But if Zheng maintains rhythm and attacks early in points, she should control the flow and the scoreboard.

This match likely comes down to whether Mertens can break Zheng’s timing—and right now, that looks like a tall order.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Zheng Qinwen in straight sets

With momentum, surface comfort, and growing clay IQ, Zheng should outmuscle and outmaneuver Mertens to reach the Charleston quarterfinals.