The final match at the WTA Singapore Tennis Open is set with the American Ann Li – who hasn’t dropped a set all week – set to take veteran Elise Mertens, who is aiming to win her ninth tour-level title. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our prediction for the final, and the ATP action in Montpellier, but who will come out on top?

WTA Singapore Final Prediction

Elise Mertens vs Ann Li

Head-to-head: first meeting

This final presents an intriguing contrast in styles and experience. Li is enjoying a breakthrough run, showcasing her aggressive baseline game and rising confidence, while the veteran Mertens brings consistency, tactical awareness, and an all-court game that has served her well on the tour, having been a regular presence in the WTA’s top 30 for the majority of her career. Indeed, the Belgian’s ability to neutralize big hitters with her counterpunching style and intelligent shot selection has made her a formidable opponent

Li will look to use her her powerful groundstrokes, as well as fast improving court coverage, to build on the successes she has enjoyed already this week – which has seen beat Daria Saville, Maria Timofeeva, Kimberly Birrell and top seed Anna Kalinskaya (albeit via retirement). Li will likely look to dictate her forehand and flat hitting, but it may not be entirely straightforward for her as Mertens is excellent at absorbing pace and extending rallies, which could test Li’s patience.

Ultimately, given that finals so often are decided by composure under pressure, Mertens’ greater experience might just give her a vital advantage when it matters most. We should still expect a tightly contested match and if Li can maintain her aggression without overhitting, she has a real shot at her biggest win to date. But ultimately, Mertens experience, resilience and problem-solving skills should prove to the difference at the WTA Singapore Tennis Open.

Prediction: Mertens in 3

Main photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports