Mertens vs Kasatkina: who will advance into the final?
On August 8, Elise Mertens and Daria Kasatkina will fight each other for a spot in the final of San Jose tournament. Russian player won two out of three head-to-head matches, should we expect another victory? The answer is in a prediction.

Command Analysis

Elise Mertens

For the first time since April Elise Mertens managed to reach the semi-final of WTA tournament. Her previous successful tournament was at Istanbul, where she not only reached the semi-final, but played in the final match against Sorana Cirstea (1:6, 6:7).
At San Jose Mertens played two difficult matches. In the first one she needed three sets to beat Mladenovic (6:2, 4:6, 6:4). After that she recorded a tough victory over Yulia Putintseva (6:3, 7:6). Like we have mentioned in our predictions earlier, Mertens still lacks consistency in her performance, Belgian player usually loses concentration during the match, especially during the second set.

Daria Kasatkina

Daria Kasatkina had a month-long break on tour, but her comeback was quite successful. Russian player reached the semi-final of San Jose tournament.
We can't say that Daria's performance is flawless. In both matches at San Jose she needed three sets to record a victory. In the first one she beat Caroline Garcia (3:6, 7:5, 6:3). After that she had a difficult match against Magda Linette (6:4, 3:6, 6:4).
Trends
СтавкаSecond set: total over 9.5
In each of three head-to-head matches Kasatkina and Mertens played more than nine games in the second set

СтавкаSets total over 2.5
Six most recent matches of Kasatkina ended in three sets

Tip and bets
Russian player has an advantage on head-to-heads (2-1). Both players are inconsistent at San Jose, so chances are pretty even. Looking at the odds, we offer to place a bet on Daria to win.
Our prediction - Kasatkina to win
Kasatkina has a streak of six matches finished in three sets. Most recent head-to-head match also finished with a 2:1 victory on sets for Daria. A bet on total over is a good choice for that match.
Our second bet is on total over 21 games