Maria Sakkari vs. Elise Mertens Prediction: Sakkari Has The Competitive Edge Over Mertens

On Tuesday, January 3, Greece's Maria Sakkari and Belgium's Elise Mertens will face off in the 2023 United Cup Group A match.

Maria Sakkari has performed admirably for her team thus far in the United Cup 2023. She easily defeated Bulgaria's Viktoriya Tomova in the first round, winning 6-3, 6-2.

Later, teamed with Stefanos Tsitsipas, she defeated Gergana Topalova and Adrian Andreev of Bulgaria in straight sets. As a consequence, Greece currently leads Group A by a score of 4-1.

Sakkari's prior season was really fantastic. She peaked at #3 in the WTA singles rankings and concluded the year in sixth place. Her record stood at 40-23, thanks to four singles finals, including the Indian Wells Open and the Guadalajara Open.

Maria also reached the WTA Finals in Texas, where she lost to Caroline Garcia. Overall, she is well-positioned for a fantastic period in 2023 as well.

Elise Mertens, the current World No. 29, had to fight hard to get her first Cup victory. In a match that should have finished in a straight-set triumph, the Belgian representative defeated Topalova 6-4, 3-6, 6-0.

Despite this, Belgium went on to lose the match against Bulgaria after losing two men's singles matches and one doubles match. The country is currently ranked third in the group and faces a must-win situation in order to advance.

Mertens, who also happens to be doubles No. 5, will be under pressure to produce. She has a wealth of expertise but has yet to match her doubles success on the singles circuit.

Her previous season finished with a record of 29-23, with the highlight being the Jasmin Open championship in October and three fourth-round performances in majors.

Sakkari is clearly the favorite here. She is in good shape, has momentum, and looks to be in her element. Mertens is rusty, and with no singles on display, she faces a Herculean challenge against the Greek.