Belgian qualifier Elise Mertens is into the Hobart International semifinals after knocking out top seed Kiki Bertens 6-3 7-5 in today’s quarterfinals.
Mertens, ranked No.127, has now beaten three top-100 opponents this week to advance to her first-ever WTA semifinal. Her victory over Bertens was her first top-40 win.
“I didn’t expect to win actually,” Mertens admitted of her 79-minute victory. “But of course in tennis anything can happen, so today was my day. I played a good level, at the end I got a bit nervous because you know I’m playing against Kiki, but I’m happy that I won.”
> Finish this sentence… Elise Mertens
Bertens struggled on serve, landing only 43 per cent of first serves and failing to hold in the opening set. The world No.22 lifted in the second set, with games on serve until the seventh game. When the French Open 2016 semifinalist broke and established a 5-3 lead, the match looked like it was going to three sets.
“In the second set I think she was getting a little bit nervous, so I got a little bit more into the game,” Bertens said. “But I made a few mistakes there and then it was over.”
Bertens had two set points on the Mertens serve in the ninth game, but the 21-year-old Belgian saved them. From there Mertens won four consecutive games to cement the biggest win of her young career.
“In the second set I had her, I was 5-3 up, but couldn’t finish it,” Bertens conceded.
A key point of difference in the match was break point conversions. Mertens won six of her seven break opportunities, while Bertens could only convert three of her 10 chances.
“Before the match I wanted to try play aggressive and it didn’t work out today,” Bertens said. “I need to do that better.
“It was tough today. Elise started really well, credit to her today I think she played a great match. For me I was searching for the rhythm.
“Of course I’m disappointed today, but what can I do now?”
Bye bye Hobart, good luck to @elise_mertens. Off to Melbourne now and prepare for the Australian open!! #bestslam #AusOpen2017
— Kiki Bertens (@kikibertens) January 12, 2017
Mertens now plays Croatian qualifier Jana Fett in the semifinals. Both are aiming to reach their first WTA final.