Miami Open 2023: Parks vs Mertens Prediction, Odds & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Miami Open first-round match featuring Alycia Parks vs Elise Mertens on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Alycia Parks vs Elise Mertens Match Preview

Alycia Parks is currently enduring a mini-slump since winning her first WTA title last month. Can she get her season back on track at the Miami Open when she lines up against the experienced Elise Mertens?

Since capturing her maiden WTA title in Lyon at the start of February, Alycia Parks has fallen off a cliff. The stats read just one win in five and has lost her last three matches. Confidence seems to be an issue for the young American as is her ability to keep her composure in pressure moments. If she was looking for some sort of headstart at the Miami Open, she is unlikely to get one, having been drawn against World No. 39 Elise Mertens.

It’s not like Elise Mertens has been winning a lot in 2023, but the Belgian can count on her experience at the top level to get her across the finish line. Mertens is only 7-7 for the season, recording her best results at the Australian Open (third round) and Monterrey (semifinal). Although she comes to the Miami Open on the back of a shocking defeat to Wang Xinyu in Indian Wells.

Alycia Parks vs Elise Mertens Prediction and Pick

Alycia Parks and Elise Mertens have not played each other on the WTA Tour. Parks is learning the hard lessons of how unforgiving the tour can be. It’s her first full season and she is bound to encounter plenty of obstacles in her way. I’m sure she is taking the positives and working on those areas she sees fit to improve. I’m not convinced Mertens should be such a big favorite ML, but we’ll take the Belgian’s hard-court pedigree and consistency down the years to be key in getting a result at the Miami Open.