In a thrilling display of resilience and skill at the Libema Open in Den Bosch on June 14, 2025, Belgian third seed Elise Mertens staged a remarkable comeback to reach the tournament final. Facing off against two-time champion Ekaterina Alexandrova, Mertens saved a staggering 11 match points before overcoming the Russian with a scoreline of 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-4. This victory not only halted Alexandrova's bid for a third consecutive title but also set the stage for an intriguing final against Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Mertens' journey to the final was far from straightforward. After dropping the first set 2-6 and falling behind 5-3 in the second, the Belgian dug deep, showing immense mental fortitude. "I didn’t even know it was 11, after one or two I lost count," Mertens reflected, emphasizing her focus and determination. "It was a difficult match, I think she started really well, and it was 6-2, 5-3 for her. I just stayed with my head in the game and gave everything I had." This tenacity paid off as she forced a tense tiebreak in the second set, eventually clinching it 9-7, before sealing the victory in the third.
Alexandrova, ranked world no.19 and a formidable opponent with a 23-12 record in 2025, was aiming to extend her dominance at Den Bosch, having won the title in both 2022 and 2023. The Russian had previously bested Mertens in their only prior meeting at this venue back in 2019 and had consistently reached at least the quarterfinals in the last five editions of the tournament. However, this year, Mertens, ranked world no.25 with a 25-11 season record, proved too resilient to deny her a spot in the final.
Elise Mertens’ 2025 season has been impressive, highlighted by her title win in Singapore earlier in the year and a runner-up finish in Hobart. Over her career, she boasts nine titles across various surfaces, including six on hard courts, two on clay, and one indoors. Her performance at the Libema Open could mark her second title of the year if she can carry this momentum through the final.
Standing in her way is Elena-Gabriela Ruse, a Romanian qualifier currently ranked world no.80, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season. Ruse's semifinal victory over Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, ranked no.123, was a testament to her grit as she recovered from a first-set loss to win 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. This marks Ruse’s second semifinal appearance of the year, having also reached the last four in Rouen, and reflects her solid 23-9 win-loss record in 2025.
Ruse’s journey to the final is particularly noteworthy given her qualifier status and ranking disparity with Mertens. Despite this, she holds a competitive spirit and has been steadily climbing the ranks. However, history is not on her side in the upcoming final, as Mertens leads their head-to-head record 3-0. This statistic adds an extra layer of intrigue to the final, as Ruse seeks to upset the odds and claim her first title at this level.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who fell to Ruse in the semifinals, has had a challenging year with a 12-16 record but found her best form at Den Bosch. Her run to the semifinals stands as her season highlight, signaling potential for future breakthroughs despite her current ranking.
The Libema Open final promises to be a captivating contest between Mertens, a seasoned campaigner with a proven track record, and Ruse, an emerging talent hungry for her first major title. Mertens’ experience and previous victories over Ruse provide her a psychological edge, but the unpredictability of tennis means that Ruse’s determination and recent form could make this a fiercely competitive match.
As the tournament reaches its climax, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Mertens can add another trophy to her cabinet or if Ruse will seize the moment to announce herself on the bigger stage. Both players have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the week, setting the stage for a memorable final in Den Bosch.
The Libema Open has once again showcased the depth and excitement of women’s tennis, with compelling storylines and dramatic matches captivating audiences. Whether it’s the veteran’s battle-hardened resolve or the qualifier’s spirited ascent, this final encapsulates the essence of the sport—unpredictable, thrilling, and fiercely competitive.
With the final set to unfold soon, all eyes will be on Den Bosch as Elise Mertens and Elena-Gabriela Ruse prepare to write the next chapter in their careers. The action remains ongoing, and tennis fans worldwide await a hard-fought conclusion to this prestigious grass-court event.
