Danielle Collins (Image Credit: WTA - Twitter)
Two experienced players – Danielle Collins and Elise Mertens square off in what promises to be an intriguing first-round clash in the 2023 Qatar Open on Tuesday.
The American tennis pro did not have a great start to the season. She lost in the first round of the Adelaide International 1 to Elena Rybakina after bagging the first set. In the Adelaide International 2, Collins defeated Karolina Pliskova and Jil Teichmann to reach the quarterfinals where Veronika Kudermetova got the better of her.
In the Australian Open, Rybakina got the better of Collins once again in the third round. The 29-year-old Collins lost to Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open before coming to Qatar.
After playing in the inaugural United Cup and achieving mixed results, Mertens took part in the Hobart International. Her journey ended in the first round as she lost to compatriot Maryna Zanevska. In the Australian Open, Mertens made it to the third round with wins against Garbine Muguruza and Lauren Davis.
Prior to the Qatar Open, Mertens competed in the Abu Dhabi Open. After beating Martina Trevisan comprehensively in the first round, Mertens lost to Veronika Kudermetova in the following round.
The head-to-head scoreline is currently 2-1 in favor of Danielle Collins. She defeated Mertens in their most recent meeting in the 2022 Australian Open in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Prediction: Danielle Collins to win in straight sets.
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