Mertens Saves 11 Match Points, Reaches Libema Final

Elise Mertens saved 11 match points to defeat two-time champion Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 in the Libema Open semi-finals in 's-Hertogenbosch. This marks the most match points saved in a main draw women's match this decade, according to the WTA. Ranked 20th, Mertens overcame a 5-3 deficit in the second set and maintained composure to secure the victory. She will face Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the final, having won all three of their previous encounters. The win gives Mertens a chance at her second title this year after her earlier win in Singapore. In the men's final, Canada's Gabriel Diallo will play Belgium's Zizou Bergs.