Karolina Pliskova def. Elise Mertens 7-5, 2-6, 7(7)-6(3) — Madrid Open 2026 R32

Match recap

Karolina Pliskova defeated Elise Mertens 7-5, 2-6, 7(7)-6(3) in the R32 of the Madrid Open 2026.

Ranked 197th to the 21st-ranked favourite, Karolina Pliskova flipped this one despite getting outserved on paper — six double faults to two, 59% first serves to Mertens' 67%, and beaten on aces 9-2. What carried it was the margins: she won 65% of her second-serve points to Elise Mertens' 59% on return, and snuck the decider 7-6(3) after Mertens leveled the match in a 6-2 second set. Two-for-two now in the H2H, and a first clay meeting goes the underdog's way.

Match stats

Elise Mertens: 9 aces, 66% first serves, 2 double faults, 3/8 break points. Karolina Pliskova: 2 aces, 58% first serves, 6 double faults, 2/3 break points.

Profiles: Elise Mertens · Karolina Pliskova — Madrid Open 2026

Head-to-head

Elise Mertens and Karolina Pliskova have met 2 times, with Karolina Pliskova leading the head-to-head 2–0.

• Eastbourne International 2023 R32 — Karolina Pliskova won 6(3)-7(7), 6-3, 3-0 (ret.)