In one of the most highly-anticipated first-round matches in the first week of the new season, #EliseMertens and #KikiBertens gave the 2019 #BrisbaneInternational a perfect start by putting up a high-quality display in their all-star opening round encounter. Bertens overturned a 0-2 deficit in their head-to-head record and triumphed in three tough sets amidst a mid-match hiccup, needing about two hours and 30-minutes to complete the win.
In a battle between the ninth-ranked player and the world number 12, it was bound to be a high-quality and thrilling contest. The players did not disappoint — showing the Brisbane fans why they are ranked so high with their play. Bertens will now face fellow hard-hitter Donna Vekic in the second round.
Bertens strolls to take the first set as Mertens misses her chances
After a quick exchange of service holds, it was Bertens who had to fend off three break points in a nervy game to remain ahead on the scoreboard. Mertens failed to take advantage of two vulnerable second serves; sending the return long on both occasions and failing to convert her chances. Mertens soon found herself in some trouble as well although Bertens immediately returned the favour by sending a huge forehand wide.
It was some impressive serving from Bertens — who now had to recover from a 0-40 deficit to hold serve. Two unreturnable serves alongside a terrific inside-out forehand winner saw the Dutchwoman claim fight consecutive points to remain on serve, and it perfectly reflected the hard work she had put in during the off-season as it was relatively obvious that her serve experienced a massive improvement.
Mertens would rue the six break points she had failed to convert previously, as Bertens ran away with the lead after a perfect return game which witnessed the first break of serve in the match. The world number nine was able to consolidate the break comfortably, opening up a commanding 5-2 lead within a blink of an eye.
Ultimately, as Bertens’ confidence sparked after getting the break, Mertens felt the pressure and was unable to deal with the pace of Bertens’ groundstrokes at the baseline. The WTA Finals semifinalist stormed to take the first set 6-2 after just 34 minutes of action.
Mertens fights back from nowhere
A failed dropshot attempt from Bertens saw her being broken for the first time in the match, allowing Mertens to claim the confidence-boosting start in the second set. Errors were leaking from every component of the Dutchwoman’s game, with the Belgian also raising the level of her play such that she surged towards a formidable 3-0 lead within a flash.
It seemed as though Mertens had completely turned the tables when she was leading 3-0, 40-15. However, a slight misfocus saw her produce countless number of unforced errors while Bertens took the opportunity to dictate play with her powerful forehand.
The improbable comeback seemed highly plausible for Bertens now, and she almost completed the impossible when she earned two break points at 2-3 down. This time, Mertens was determined not to lose her lead and served her way to consolidate her advantage, regaining her two-game lead on the scoreboard.
Bertens finally managed to break back in the eighth game, and the set was eventually brought into a tiebreak. Just as things could not get tighter, Mertens sneaked out the second set in a tiebreak with an 8-6 scoreline, sending the match into a deciding set.
Bertens claims the huge win
An early exchange of breaks saw Bertens and Mertens putting up a good show for the fans out on Pat Rafter Arena, being part of several thrilling rallies and high-quality shot-making. The Dutchwoman had multiple break points in the third game although she was unable to convert, with Mertens producing some of her best tennis on the important points.
Serving at 4-4, Mertens played what was her worst game of the entire match. The pressure weighed on her shoulders considering the stressful situation, and she committed four consecutive unforced errors to get broken and gave Bertens the golden opportunity to serve out the match.
Bertens did not disappoint her fans as she comfortably served out the win, grabbing the perfect start to the 2019 season.
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