DUBAI — Belgian tennis star Elise Mertens delivered one of the most dramatic performances of her career, saving an astonishing 11 match points in a single match before going on to claim the title at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships. The world No. 28 showcased her trademark resilience and tactical brilliance, capping off a week of high-intensity tennis with a triumphant victory.
Mertens, a former doubles world No. 1, has long been known for her mental toughness, but her performance in Dubai took her reputation to new heights. After surviving a grueling semifinal against a determined opponent, she carried that momentum into the final, where she defeated a higher-ranked rival in straight sets to secure her seventh career WTA singles title.
A Semifinal for the Ages
The defining moment of Mertens' tournament came in the semifinals, where she faced a barrage of match points against her opponent. Down 5-6 in the third set, she stared down 11 opportunities for her rival to close out the match. Yet, time and again, Mertens found a way to stay alive—whether with clutch serving, fearless net approaches, or pinpoint groundstrokes.
"I don’t think I’ve ever saved that many match points in my life," Mertens admitted in her post-match interview. "At some point, I just stopped counting and focused on each ball. I knew if I kept fighting, I might get a chance."
Her opponent, visibly frustrated by Mertens' refusal to yield, eventually cracked under the pressure. The Belgian seized her opportunity in the tiebreak, winning 7-6(5) in a match that lasted over three hours. Key factors in her comeback included:
- Relentless defense: Mertens retrieved seemingly impossible balls, extending rallies.
- Variety: She mixed slices, drop shots, and deep drives to disrupt rhythm.
- Mental composure: Even at match point down, she played aggressively.
Dominance in the Final
After surviving the semifinal marathon, Mertens entered the championship match with renewed confidence. Facing a top-15 player, she executed a near-flawless game plan, winning 6-4, 6-2. Her ability to dictate play with deep returns and precise angles left her opponent scrambling.
"I knew I had to be aggressive from the start," Mertens said. "After yesterday, I felt like I could handle anything. My legs were tired, but my mind was sharp."
The victory marked her first WTA 1000 title since 2021 and solidified her status as one of the tour’s most formidable competitors. Notably, Mertens also excels in doubles, holding multiple Grand Slam titles—a testament to her versatility and court intelligence.
What This Win Means for Mertens
This tournament could be a turning point in Mertens' season. After a slow start to 2024, she has now re-entered the Top 25 in the live rankings. Her ability to thrive under pressure makes her a dangerous opponent in any draw, particularly in Grand Slams where endurance is key.
"Elise has always been a fighter," said her coach, Robbe Ceyssens. "But this week, she showed something extra. Saving 11 match points isn’t just luck—it’s about belief."
With the clay season approaching, Mertens will look to build on this momentum. Her game adapts well to slower surfaces, and her doubles expertise gives her an edge in constructing points strategically.
Conclusion: A Triumph of Resilience
Elise Mertens' victory in Dubai will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for the sheer determination she displayed. Saving 11 match points in a single match is a rare feat, and doing so en route to a title underscores her champion mentality.
As she celebrated with her team, Mertens reflected on the journey: "This is why I play tennis—for moments like these. No matter how tough it gets, you always have a chance."
With this win, Mertens sends a clear message to the rest of the tour: underestimate her at your own peril. Whether in singles or doubles, her fighting spirit and tactical brilliance make her a perennial contender.