Elise Mertens vs Coco Gauff: Ranking, Head-to-Head and Prediction
The Elise Mertens vs Coco Gauff matchup is one of the most interesting Round of 16 contests at the 2026 China Open. Gauff enters the match as the higher-ranked player and the clear favorite, while Mertens has already shown strong form in Beijing.
The match is scheduled for October 7, 2026, on the outdoor hard courts at the National Tennis Center in Beijing. Gauff is ranked No. 4, while Mertens is ranked No. 19.
Elise Mertens vs Coco Gauff: Ranking
Heading into their China Open meeting, Coco Gauff is ranked No. 4 in the WTA singles rankings, compared with No. 19 for Elise Mertens.
That ranking gap reflects Gauff’s position among the leading players on the WTA Tour. Mertens, meanwhile, remains an experienced top-level competitor who has reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 12.
Gauff’s career-high singles ranking is No. 2. She is also a two-time Grand Slam singles champion.
Coco Gauff vs Elise Mertens Head-to-Head
Gauff has dominated the rivalry so far. She leads Mertens 5-0 in their head-to-head record.
Their five previous meetings have produced the following results:
- 2021 Eastbourne: Gauff defeated Mertens 6-0, 6-7, 7-5.
- 2022 French Open: Gauff won 6-4, 6-0.
- 2023 US Open: Gauff won 3-6, 6-3, 6-0.
- 2024 Indian Wells: Gauff won 6-0, 6-2.
- 2026 Dubai: Gauff won 2-6, 7-6, 6-3.
The most recent meeting was particularly competitive. Mertens won the opening set in Dubai, but Gauff fought back to win the next two sets.
Coco Gauff’s 2026 Form
Gauff comes into the China Open meeting with a 45-13 singles record in 2026, according to current match data. She also reached the semifinal of the 2026 US Open before losing to Elena Rybakina.
At the China Open, Gauff defeated Camila Osorio in three sets before beating Xinran Sun 7-5, 6-1 in the third round.
Her recent results show why she is favored against Mertens. Gauff can absorb pace from the baseline, create pressure with her return and use her athleticism to extend rallies.
Elise Mertens’ 2026 Form
Mertens has also enjoyed a productive China Open campaign. She defeated Katie Volynets 6-0, 4-6, 7-5 and then came through a three-set battle with Jelena Ostapenko, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
Her victory over Ostapenko was important because Mertens had to recover after dropping the second set. She also broke serve six times during the match, showing that her return game could create problems for Gauff.
Coco Gauff vs Mertens Prediction
Coco Gauff is the prediction to win.
The biggest factors are Gauff’s superior ranking, stronger 2026 record and perfect 5-0 head-to-head record against Mertens. Current prediction models also strongly favor Gauff. One model gives her a 78% chance of winning, while another published market had Gauff as the significant favorite.
Mertens should not be overlooked, however. Their Dubai match earlier in 2026 proved that she can trouble Gauff, particularly when she takes the ball early and forces long rallies.
Prediction: Coco Gauff to win.
A reasonable score prediction is Gauff 2-0, although Mertens has enough experience and recent form to make the match competitive. The Stats Zone also backed Gauff to win in straight sets.
Why Coco Gauff Is Favored
There are several reasons Gauff enters as the favorite:
- Higher WTA ranking: Gauff is No. 4 compared with Mertens at No. 19.
- Perfect head-to-head record: Gauff has won all five previous meetings.
- Strong 2026 record: She entered the matchup with a 45-13 singles record.
- Recent China Open form: Gauff won her first two matches in Beijing.
- Big-match experience: Gauff has already established herself as a Grand Slam champion.
What Mertens Needs to Do to Upset Gauff
Mertens’ best opportunity is to make the match physical and avoid giving Gauff easy points. Her recent victory over Ostapenko demonstrated that she can create pressure through her return game.
The Belgian also has proof from their Dubai meeting that she can take a set from Gauff. If she serves consistently and converts break-point opportunities, she could push the match into a deciding set.
However, Gauff’s movement, defensive ability and recent record make her difficult to defeat over two or three sets.
Final Verdict
The Elise Mertens vs Coco Gauff prediction strongly favors Gauff. The American enters the China Open Round of 16 as the No. 4 player in the world and owns a 5-0 career record against Mertens.
Mertens has enough experience to make Gauff work, and their 2026 Dubai match showed that the Belgian can challenge her. Still, Gauff’s ranking, current form and head-to-head advantage make her the stronger pick.
Prediction: Coco Gauff to win 2-0.
FAQs
What is Coco Gauff’s ranking?
Coco Gauff is ranked No. 4 in the WTA singles rankings entering the China Open matchup.
What is Elise Mertens’ ranking?
Elise Mertens is ranked No. 19 in singles. Her career-high ranking was No. 12.
Who leads the Coco Gauff vs Elise Mertens head-to-head?
Coco Gauff leads the head-to-head 5-0.
Who is favored to win Gauff vs Mertens?
Coco Gauff is the clear favorite based on ranking, recent results, head-to-head history and prediction models.
When is Coco Gauff vs Elise Mertens?
The China Open Round of 16 match is scheduled for October 7, 2026, in Beijing.
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