Elise Mertens qualified for the final of the ‘S-Hétogenbosch tournament by eliminating Ekaterina Alexandrova (2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4). The Belgian returned from hell to validate her ticket in the final.
After the disillusionment of Roland-Garros-eliminated in the first round with the Boisson Sensation-Elise Mertens begins her season on grass perfectly. Opposed to the 19th world player, the Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, Mertens took the best in three sets against her opponent in the semi-finals of the S-Hétogenbosch tournament. 2h51 of combat and a completely crazy scenario for the Belgian, who knows her second final in 2025. The last time she had been at this level was in Singapore at the start of the year she won the tournament against the American Ann Li.
Mertens skin was not given dear after the first set. A round lost in 30 minutes on a lucky letter, two granted breaks, two double faults and a first very reassuring service ball (47 % first ball). Then, the second round started on the same standards. Especially when Alexandrova obtained his first match balls at 5-4 on the Belgian service. The latter saved five, then had to tighten the game again at 6-5 for Alexandrova. Despite six double faults in this second set, Mertens found his first ball and saved five new match balls. Direction the tie-break for the two players who almost smiled in Russian.
At 5-6 for Alexandrova, Mertens returned his opponent to the strings to save an eleventh match ball (a record in 2025). Mertens managed to pocket the second set and set out to find an unlikely victory. Despite a station wagon conceded at 3-4, the Belgian immediately reacted to resume the service of Alexandrova and reiterate the performance at 5-4 in her favor. On her second match ball, the 25th world player validated her ticket for the final where she will be opposed to Gabriela Ruse. The Romanian disposed of the Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto in three rounds (2-6, 6-4, 6-3).
