Mertens to final via Houdini act

For the first time in her career, Elise Mertens made it to the final at Libéma Open. The way the Belgian succeeded was spectacular. Opponent Ekaterina Alexandrova had 11 match points in the second set, but Mertens still came alongside: 2-6 7-6(7) 6-4.

Alexandrova, champion on the Brabant grass in 2022 and 2023, had the better of the game in the first two sets, but could not finish the job time and again with the finish line in sight. The number two seeded thus gave the 29-year-old from Leuven the chance to hang on and reach the final after almost three hours of struggle.

Ten years ago, Mertens first came into action in Rosmalen and in her eighth participation, she finally managed to make it to the final match for the home child. In it, the third series head will face either Elisabetta Cocciaretto or Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.