Elise Mertens etched her name into tennis history with a dramatic triumph at the 2025 Libéma Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Over the course of the tournament, she saved an astonishing 11 match points (all in her match vs. Alexandrova)—an achievement that places her in one of the most exclusive clubs in the Open Era.
Mertens now stands alongside Adriano Panatta, who pulled off the feat in Rome 1976, and Simon Youl, who did the same in Schenectady in 1989. These rare accomplishments highlight the extraordinary mental resilience and survival instincts required to overturn the odds in moments that teeter on the brink of defeat.
In the Dutch grass-court event, Mertens faced down elimination with poise and composure that belied the pressure-packed situations she encountered. Her path to the title was anything but conventional, defined by nerve-jangling tiebreaks, comebacks from the brink, and gritty shot-making under immense stress.
This unexpected journey through adversity has amplified the spotlight on Mertens’ fighting spirit. In an age where physical fitness and raw power often dominate headlines, her run emphasized the virtues of patience, belief, and tactical versatility. For fans and aspiring players alike, it was an unforgettable display of grit that will be remembered for years to come.
The 2025 edition of ‘s-Hertogenbosch will be remembered not just for who won, but for how it was won. Mertens didn’t just lift a trophy—she carved out a moment of pure tennis drama that now lives among the sport’s most improbable comebacks. Her name now resonates with those who found a way when every sign pointed toward defeat. And in that rarefied air, she breathes with legends.
Elise Mertens in 2025
Now the world no.25, Elise played her last match on the 15th of June when she beat world no.80 Elena Gabriela Ruse 6-3 7-6(4) in the final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch to win her 9th career title.
At present, during this year Elise has managed to achieve a composed 26-11 record. Mertens clinched 2 titles in 2025 in Singapore and Hertogenbosch. Mertens was the runner-up in Hobart.
