Mertens vs Mladenovic: no chance for Kristina?
In the second round match of San Jose tournament Elise Mertens will play against Kristina Mladenovic on August 5. Should we expect a contest in this match?

Command Analysis

Elise Mertens

Elise Mertens is not impressing with her results after the Roland Garros. Belgian player recorded only two victories on the grass, both at the Wimbledon. In two other grass tournaments she was beaten in the first round.
Mertens also failed to impress at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. In the first round she was beaten by Ekaterina Alexandrova (6:4, 4:6, 4:6).

Kristina Mladenovic

Kristina Mladenovic is disappointing her fans in the current season. Only in two tournaments she managed to reach the third round. It happened in the beginning of the year at Australian Open and at the grass tournament in Nottingham.
French player also participated at the Olympic Games, but was beaten in the first round by Paula Badosa (7:6, 3:6, 0:6). Mladenovic has already won one match in San Jose. In the first round she beat an unexperienced player Han Na-Iae (6:4, 6:4).
Trends
СтавкаSecond set: total over 9.5
In three most recent head-to-head matches players had more than nine games in the second round

СтавкаTiebreak: yes
In two out of three most recent head-to-head matches tiebreaks were played

Tip and bets
Kristina Mladenovic is not a comfortable opponent for Elise Mertens. Frenchwoman is 3:2 ahead in head-to-head matches. Looking at the recent results of Belgian player, we can't say that she is at the peak of her form. Moreover, Mladenovic has already gained match practice at San Jose, unlike her opponent. We offer to place a bet on plus handicap for the underdog.
Our prediction - Mladenovic to win with a handicap of (+6) games
In the previous head-to-head match on hard court Mertens needed three sets to beat Mladenovic. Belgian player might need some time for adaptation to San Jose court. We are expecting a long match.
Our second bet is on total over 18 games