The WTA circuit shifts into gear on Sun, 16 Aug, 8:35 am AEST as world number 22 Elise Mertens meets French contender Diane Parry in a Second Round battle. Mertens brings standard Belgian consistency and ten career titles to the court, but the market heavily favors her against a opponent who isn't ready to lay down.

If you are scanning the board for sharp tennis predictions, this contest offers an intriguing dynamic between a top-25 staple and an underdog entering with recent match success.

Who Will Win? Head to Head & Match Winner

Mertens enters as the clear head-to-head favourite. Holding a 25-15 record for the year and a solid 61% career win rate, the Belgian is historically reliable in these match-ups. However, Mertens dropped her most recent outing on Sat, 8 Aug against Naomi Osaka, leaving her overall last-five form at two wins and three losses.

Parry, ranked 66th in the world with an 11-9 year-to-date record, comes off a strong last-start win against Caroline Dolehide on Fri, 14 Aug. That victory snapped a four-match slide and gave the French player crucial match confidence.

These two have met once before back in May 2019, where Mertens claimed a straight-sets win on clay. While Mertens commands the head-to-head history and higher ranking, Parry's recent win gives her momentum to push the favourite hard.

MarketsOdds correct as at 4:13 am AEST. Odds can change.

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Set Handicap: Taking the Game to the Favourite

The line market sits at 1.5 sets, with Mertens laying -1.5 sets and Parry receiving +1.5 sets.

Given that Mertens lost her last outing against Osaka and dropped sets in both of her recent victories against Anna Bondar and TBD on 6 Aug, she has shown vulnerability to dropping sets. Parry taking a single set covers the handicap for away backers, making the set start a compelling target for value hunters.

SetsOdds correct as at 4:13 am AEST. Odds can change.
Solid leanOur tip: Diane Parry +1.5. Parry enters coming off a last-start win, while Mertens dropped her most recent match and has taken three sets in three of her last five starts.

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Total Games: Line set at 20.5

The total games line for this Second Round clash is set at 20.5 games. Mertens' recent matches have seen extended set counts, including three-set battles in her last three overall outings.

Parry's most recent outing on 14 Aug also featured a competitive tiebreak set against Dolehide. If Parry forces Mertens deep into sets or grabs a set outright, the combined game count will quickly clear the 20.5 barrier.

GamesOdds correct as at 4:13 am AEST. Odds can change.
Solid leanOur tip: Over 20.5. With Mertens regularly involved in lengthy matches of late and Parry bringing renewed confidence, expect a high game count.

Tipped at $1.80 (3:12 pm AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.