In a stunning display of resilience and determination, Belgian third seed Elise Mertens saved an astonishing 11 match points to claim a dramatic victory over top-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semifinals of the Libema Open held in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, on June 14, 2025. This remarkable feat marks the most match points saved in a main draw women’s match this decade, according to the WTA Tour, and sets the stage for an electrifying final on the grass courts of Den Bosch.
The match was a rollercoaster from the outset. Alexandrova, a formidable opponent and two-time Libema Open champion with titles in 2022 and 2023, took control early, dominating the first set 6-2. The Russian appeared poised to add a third trophy to her collection, leveraging her experience and previous success, including a victory over Mertens in their only prior meeting at Den Bosch back in 2019.
However, Mertens, 29, known for her relentless spirit and tactical prowess, was not ready to bow out. Facing a daunting 5-3 deficit in the second set and trailing after losing the opening set, she dug deep. The pressure mounted as Alexandrova served for the match multiple times, but Mertens refused to relent. She first fended off five match points to break Alexandrova’s serve in the 10th game. The tension escalated when she saved another five match points in the 12th game, forcing a tiebreak that would test both players’ nerves to the limit.
In the tiebreak, Alexandrova again served for the match at 6-5, but Mertens escaped yet again, completing the incredible sequence of 11 saved match points. The Belgian edged out the tiebreak 9-7, leveling the match and shifting momentum decisively in her favor. The final set saw Mertens maintain her composure and capitalize on the momentum, ultimately sealing a 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory just shy of three hours.
Reflecting on her extraordinary comeback, Mertens said, “I didn’t even know it was 11, after one or two I lost count. I was very focused on the game, which, of course, I like that about me, that I just keep going. 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.” Her words encapsulate the mental toughness and persistence that defined this encounter.
With this victory, Mertens advances to the Libema Open final, where she will face unseeded Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Ruse herself has shown remarkable grit, overcoming a first-set loss to defeat Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in her semifinal match. Although Ruse is a qualifier, she is no stranger to challenging matches, and this final promises to be a compelling battle on the grass.
Mertens holds a psychological edge heading into the final, having won all three of her previous meetings against Ruse. Moreover, a victory here would mark Mertens’ second title of the year, following her triumph in Singapore earlier in February 2025, underscoring her strong form and adaptability across surfaces.
Alexandrova’s journey to the semifinals was impressive, continuing her streak of reaching at least the quarter-finals in the last five editions of the Libema Open. Despite the loss, her consistent performance at this tournament cements her status as a formidable competitor on grass courts.
The men’s draw also witnessed drama as the only remaining seed, Frenchman Ugo Humbert, was upset by Canadian Gabriel Diallo with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (4). Diallo will face Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the final after Bergs dispatched American lucky loser Reilly Opelka 6-1, 6-4. Notably, Bergs and Diallo previously met at the 2025 Madrid Open, where Diallo secured a straight-sets victory.
The Libema Open continues to be a tournament of thrilling matches and unexpected turns, highlighting the grit and talent of players on the grass-court circuit. As Mertens prepares to face Ruse in Sunday’s final, fans eagerly anticipate whether the Belgian can convert her remarkable semifinal resilience into championship glory.
With the grass season in full swing and Wimbledon looming, performances like Mertens’ serve as a reminder of the mental and physical demands of professional tennis, where every point can turn the tide. The Libema Open final promises to be a fitting climax to a week of unforgettable tennis in the Netherlands.
