Elise Mertens vs Coco Gauff: 2023 US Open - Preview & Prediction

Coco Gauff will face Elise Mertens at the US Open for a spot in the 4th round, and an interesting fight for it is expected.

Gauff and Mertens know each other rather well, having played both in singles and doubles on the WTA Tour against each other. The Belgian was on the brink of defeat against Danielle Collins but rallied in spectacular fashion to win the match in three sets,

She won't be able to do the same against Gauff if she falls behind the way she did against Collins because Gauff is just playing that much better. Her recent run in Cincinnati finally unlocked a new level for her, and beating that will take a serious effort.

Mertens had some good moments in this matchup in the past but when Gauff played the way she could, things generally went her way easily.

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Head-to-head: 

We've seen this matchup two times so far, and Gauff won both matches. The first one happened in 2021 on grass, where Mertens was very close to beating Gauff, but the American rallied in three sets. The second time happened at Roland Garros last year, and it was just a proper beatdown that demonstrates well how the matchup can go when Gauff plays her best.

Prediction:

The American is the big favourite here because of several reasons. First of all, she's playing better tennis right now. Second of all, Mertens barely pulled through in her previous match, so it's not like she's playing all that well to begin with.

Third of all the match is taking place in New York where Gauff is adored and the crowd will make it very hard for the Belgian. With all that considered anything but Gauff winning would be rather surprising, especially during a night session.

Prediction: Coco Gauff to win in straight sets.

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