Photo credit: Libema Open Facebook
Elise Mertens played grass-court savior to rise up to her first lawn title.
Mertens saved two set points stopping qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 7-6(4) to capture her 10th career championship, including her first grass-court crown, at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
The third-seeded Mertens won her second title of the year one day after playing miracle maker in the semifinals. Mertens saved 11 match points edging Ekaterina Alexandrova, 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 yesterday.
“Yesterday I had a lot of match points against me—I managed to win that match,” Mertens said. “It’s tennis. Anything can happen. I’m glad I took that chance.
“It’s been an incredible journey this week. I want to congratulate my opponent for an amazing week.”
The 25th-ranked Mertens is the third Belgian to raise the ‘s-Hertogenbosch championship joining Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin. Mertens beat Ruse for the fourth time in as many meetings, improving to 25-11 in 2025.
“I really feel at home [here], it gives me extra energy,” Mertens said. “It was a great atmosphere.
“I want to thank my team. It was nerve-wracking at the end but I’m very happy my family and friends were there.”
Ruse drew first-break blood for a 2-1 lead.
The Romanian qualifier won eight of 10 points in a stretch on serve confirming the break for 3-1.
That was really the Romanian’s last stand in the set. Ruse, who had her right knee taped up, struggled to stay in step with a sharp Mertens the rest of the set.
Countering Ruse’s aggression with some fine running strikes, Mertens rolled through 12 of 13 points sparking a five-game surge to take the opening set.
Credit Ruse, who was making her ‘s-Hertogenbosch debut, for building another lead in the second set.
Facing double-set point serving at 4-5, Mertens refused to yield. The Belgian drew a netted return to save the first set point.
On the second set point, Mertens ran down a Ruse dropper then soared to snap off a smash. Mertens hung tough holding for 5-all.
The 80th-ranked Ruse repelled a break point in holding for 6-5.
The backhand is Mertens’ strongest shot and Ruse learned that the hard way. Attacking the Belgian’s two-hander, Ruse got passed on the first point of the tiebreaker.
A controlled Mertens raced out to a 4-0 lead in the breaker. When Ruse spit up her seventh double fault, Mertens had championship points at 6-3.
On her second championship point, Mertens drew a forehand error sealing her 10th title in one hour, 57 minutes.