Beaten by the American Jessica Pegula (WTA 6) in the 2nd round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, Elise Mertens said she was dissatisfied with her performance displayed in the Margaret Court Arena. Out in two sets and less than an hour and a quarter, 6-4, 6-2, she could, by her own admission, “be more regular and aggressive”, as the Limburger explained to the Belgian federation tennis.
“I’m not very happy with my level“, began the 34th player in the world. “I could have been more regular and aggressive. I tried to find solutions in the second set, but I felt like I didn’t have an answer today.“On the other side of the court, Pegula.”grew up in the game“and did not give the Belgian N.1 the opportunity to develop its game, which”has a lot to learn from this meeting. There are things to do to return to a higher level.“
Physically, Elise Mertens was not disturbed by her recent ankle problems. “I had recovered well, the ankle was bandaged but that didn’t bother me.“With a physiotherapist in her suitcases since the Hobart tournament, where she lost in the final on Saturday, she did not suffer the volume of the matches.
As in 2024, Mertens begins the year with a defeat in the final in Tasmania and an exit in the 2nd round of the first Grand Slam of the season. “It’s a shame to lose at this stage. I would have liked to do a little more than repeat last season’s performances, even if I don’t lose any points. I will have to try to be seeded for the next Grand Slams (in the top 32 in the world, editor’s note) and thus avoid a draw that is too difficult. This will be a big goal for 2025“, she added.
It wouldn’t really make sense for me to talk about aiming for the top 20 anymore.
Now, the 29-year-old turns her attention to the doubles, in which she rubs shoulders with Australian Ellen Perez for the first time. “We have to gain experience together, but she knows how I play, and I know how she plays because we have already faced each other a lot. He is someone who communicates well.“However, we will have to adapt quickly, because the first joint training will not take place until Thursday.”We’ll see how it goes in the first game.“
Double winner and title holder in Melbourne, Elise Mertens “aim for victory. I have a title to defend.”
After Australia, the Belgian N.1 plans to go to the WTA 250 in Singapore, from January 27, “to pocket points, train doubles and work on form to avoid injuries. It’s time to build.“As one’s career progresses, one’s goals evolve.”It would no longer really make sense for me to talk about aiming for the top 20, for example. The important thing is to have fun playing tennis, keep the passion and always see progress.“
australian open mertens tennis
Related News :