Elise Mertens has been a certainty in at least a 3rd round in grand slam tournaments since the Australian Open in 2018. But in Wimbledon she only made it to the 4th round, also known as the 1/8th finals, once.
The preparation for Wimbledon did not go smoothly for Mertens and it was also a struggle in her first two matches in London. Each time she won in 3 sets.
But Angelique Kerber, once world number 1 and 2018 Wimbledon laureate, brought out the best in Mertens. She was the first through her opponent’s serve, which put her on her way to win in set 1.
In set 2 Kerber bit off more. The rallies got longer and longer and this time it was Mertens who had to chase after a break. When the German was allowed to serve for the set at 5-4, Mertens struck. She also won the last 2 games, final score 6-4 and 7-5.
In the 1/8th finals, Mertens will face the 3rd seed, the Tunisian Ons Jabeur.
Elise Mertens was remarkably emotional after her win. “Kerber is a great player, she has a lot of merit and is a former winner. But I love this tournament so much!”
“In the previous round, I had to clear two match balls in the second set, to finish it the next day. It’s a privilege to be here, to be able to play on this course, and I hope to do a lot more in the future.” can play games.”
“I think everyone could see I was a little nervous at the last points, but I also tried to enjoy it. This is the same track where I won my doubles semi-final last year, and that gave me the confidence to to beat such a top player.”
