Coco Gauff – Elise Mertens prediction and betting tips – October 7, 2026
Beijing, China
On October 7, Coco Gauff and Elise Mertens will face off in the fourth round of the Beijing tournament. Here is my betting pick for the upcoming match.
Coco Gauff
The American is enjoying a solid season, although she certainly expects more from herself. Gauff has often reached the late stages of prestigious tournaments, but she has claimed just one title, in Cincinnati. Her other notable results include finals in Miami and Rome, as well as semifinal appearances at the US Open and Wimbledon.
In Beijing, the American began with a 7:6, 4:6, 6:2 victory over Colombia’s Camila Osorio, then defeated young Chinese player Sun Yingsha 7:5, 6:1. Gauff is ranked fourth in the world and is the highest-seeded player remaining in the tournament.
Elise Mertens
The Belgian has not added any singles titles to her collection this season and has a reputation as a dangerous and experienced player outside the elite. Her best result of the year was a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon, where she lost to eventual champion Linda Noskova.
Mertens has enjoyed success in doubles, where she has reached great heights, winning the Australian Open in the discipline this year. She is currently ranked 19th in the world.
At this tournament, the Belgian has won two three-set battles. She first defeated American Katie Volynets 6:0, 4:6, 7:5, before overcoming Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6:2, 3:6, 6:3.
Head-to-head
The two players have met five times, with the American winning every encounter. Their most recent meeting came this year in Dubai, where Mertens came close to victory and had three match points in the second-set tiebreak. However, she failed to convert her chances and eventually lost 6:2, 6:7, 3:6.
Match prediction
Gauff looks like the favorite in this clash between two experienced and talented players, as reflected by the bookmakers’ odds. Whichever way you look at it, the psychological edge belongs to the American, and she has also enjoyed the stronger season. I expect Coco to advance and will back her to win in straight sets.
