Mertens Impresses at Tournament Start

The attempt to defend the title could not have started better for Elise Mertens. The third seed had no trouble with former finalist Bianca Andreescu on the centre court: 6-1, 6-2.

Supported by Belgian fans, world number 22 was clearly a step too big for the Canadian, who won the US Open in 2019.

In the next round, Mertens will face the winner of the match between Tamara Korpatch and Elena Gabriela Ruse. The latter stood on the other side of the net in last year’s final.

Less smooth was the tournament start for Ekaterina Alexandrova. The top seed won the title on Brabant grass in 2022 and 2023, but this year she was upset in the first round by Hungarian Panna Udvardy. For world number 65, it was one of her best victories on the WTA Tour.

Monday also produced several exciting three-set matches. Polish player Magda Linette fought back from a deficit to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 against Kimberly Birrell. American Robin Montgomery also made a comeback in her match against Daria Kasatkina: 5-7, 6-0, 6-4.

Later in the day, another surprise was recorded. Second seed Clara Tauson was eliminated by Mia Pohankova. The 17-year-old Slovakian, admitted with a wildcard, surprised world number 24 with a 6-4, 6-4 victory.