Belgian qualifier Elise Mertens got through to her first career WTA final after beating another qualifier Jana Fett from Croatia 6-4 6-0 at the Hobart International. Mertens will face Monica Niculescu, who was handed a walkover after Lesia Tsurenko was forced to withdraw from the semifinal match due to a viral illness.
Both Mertens and Fett held their service games in the first two games before Mertens got the break in the third game to take a 2-1 lead as Fett made a double fault.
Fett got the break back in the sixth game to draw level to 3-3 but Mertens recovered from 15-40 to get another break in the seventh game for 4-3. Mertens earned a set point on Fett’s serve. The Croatian player saved it but Mertens served out for the first set in the next game.
The Belgian player broke Fett in the first game of the second set after a short rain delay and dominated the remainder of the match breaking serve two more times to race out to a 5-0 lead. Fett saved two match points as she was just one point away from the bagel before earning a break point. Mertens held her serve three points later to win the second set 6-0 securing her spot in the final. Fett won just 11 points in the second set.
Mertens is projected to move up into the world’s top 100 for the first time in her career.
“It feels amazing. I didn’t expect ita t all, so it’s a surprise. I did not expect it, so it’s a surprise. My serve went pretty well today. I am happy about that.”, said Mertens.
Mertens set up a final against Monica Niculescu, who received a walkover into tomorrow’s final after Lesia Tsurenko withdrew from the match due to a viral illness. Niculescu will be looking to win her fourth title at WTA level.
“Unfortunately I cannot play the semifinal in Hobart. I am really disappointed because I am still not feeling well and it is getting worse with more and more matches. I am really hoping to feel better soon. I am taking some medications and really hope to be better in Melbourne”, said Tsurenko.
Mertens and Niculescu will meet for the first time in their careers.
