Belgian tennis might have expected a long wait for a player to match the achievements of the recently-retired Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin but Elise Mertens maintained the country’s modern tradition of success at the highest level by reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open.
Mertens, who trains at Clijsters’ academy in the former world No1’s home town of Bree, is through to the last four in her debut at the year’s opening Grand Slam event.
Elina Svitolina, the world No4 who was struggling with a hip injury, was no match for the 22-year-old, who won 6-4, 6-0. Twelve months ago Mertens was not ranked high enough to earn a place in the main draw here. Before she started here last week she had never gone beyond the third round at a Grand Slam event.
“I’m without words, I don’t know what to say,” the world No37 said after winning in just 73 minutes.
In Pictures | Australian Open Tennis 2018
Svitolina said: “Physically it was very tough. Going into the tournament, I had a few issues with my health. She didn’t give me opportunities. All the credit to her, she played really good tennis.”
Mertens, set to break into the world top 20 after her run here, will meet the winner of today’s match between Caroline Wozniacki and Carla Suarez Navarro.
