Elise Mertens Saves 11 Match Points, Reaches Libema Open Final

‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands — Belgian tennis player Elise Mertens pulled off a stunning comeback on Saturday, saving 11 match points to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova and reach the final of the Libema Open. This remarkable feat marks the highest number of match points saved in a main draw women’s match this decade, according to the WTA.

Mertens, ranked 20th, battled through a challenging match that concluded with a score of 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4 on the grass courts of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. “I didn’t even know it was 11. After one or two, I lost count,” said Mertens, the tournament’s third seed. “I was very focused on the game, which I like about myself — that I just keep going.”

The match was particularly tough, as the two-time Libema Open champion Alexandrova was leading at 6-2, 5-3 before Mertens staged her remarkable comeback. Mertens noted, “It was a difficult match. I just stayed with my head in the game and gave everything I had. Especially in the third set, I felt like, ‘OK, this is maybe my opportunity.’ So I’m very happy I took that chance.”

This anticipated victory adds to Mertens’ growing reputation for resilience; she has previously saved match points in multiple tournaments this decade. Notably, she saved two match points against Viktorija Golubic in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open and three match points in an earlier round of the 2023 US Open.

In the final, Mertens will face qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse from Romania. Ruse also battled her way into the final, overcoming Elisabetta Cocciaretto in her semifinal match, which concluded with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Mertens holds a 3-0 record against Ruse in their previous meetings, but they have not faced each other since February 2023, making this match particularly intriguing. Moreover, it will be their first encounter on grass.