Elise Mertens had lost her last 3 encounters against Danielle Collins. In the first set it did not look like our compatriot would break through that negative series.
She didn’t force a single break opportunity, Collins hit many more winners and only had one break to put 3-6 on the scoreboard.
The second set was a lot more even with breaks for both players.
At 4-4 and 0-40 on her serve, Mertens looked like a bird to the cat, but she again brought out her typical fighting spirit against last year’s Australian Open finalist.
Mertens went all out and even forced 2 set balls at 5-4, but she couldn’t use them.
And yet she was not fazed by those missed opportunities. Even more: in the tiebreak she saved 2 match balls and clenched her fist after more than 2 hours at 7-6.
The momentum was now all on Mertens, who had cornered Collins. The American was serving on shaky legs and had no grip on Mertens.
He finished it 6-1 after 2 hours and 45 minutes. Coco Gauff (WTA-6) awaits in the next round.
