’s-HERTOGENBOSCH, Netherlands — In a thrilling display of resilience, Belgian tennis sensation Elise Mertens managed to fend off 11 match points before overcoming Ekaterina Alexandrova to secure a spot in the final of the Libema Open on Saturday.
According to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), this match marked a remarkable achievement, as Mertens saved the most match points in a main draw women’s match this decade.
Ranked 20th in the world, Mertens demonstrated her tenacity by clinching victory with scores of 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4 on the grass courts of ’s-Hertogenbosch. “I didn’t even realize it was 11 match points; after a few, I lost count,” said the third-seeded player. “I was very immersed in the game, maintaining my focus, which is something I appreciate about myself — the determination to keep pushing forward.”
Mertens is poised to face Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the final, promising an exciting showdown.