Alexandrova in semi-final against Mertens after thriller

It did not come naturally, but two-time champion Ekaterina Alexandrova has secured a spot in the last four. In a repeat of the thrilling 2023 final, the number two seeded won over Veronika Kudermetova: 5-7 6-4 6-2.

The 2022 and 2023 champion had to come back from a set deficit on centre court and needed two hours and 20 minutes in the tropical temperatures to shake off former world number 9 Kudermetova.

To get through to the final again, Alexandrova will have to find an answer to the thunderous play of third-series head Elise Mertens this week. The Belgian number one has not lost a set in her three matches and expertly disposed of lucky loser Yue Yuan in the last eight: 6-0 6-4.

Alexandrova and Mertens faced each other four times before, with the first encounter remarkably dating back to Rosmalen in 2019 (win Alexandrova). Meanwhile, the grass specialist leads 3-1 in mutual duels.