By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday October 9, 2022
The Belgian rocked past France's Cornet to claim the title at the inaugural Monastir Open in Tunisia.
Photo Source: TC
Having spent most of the last four years inside the Top-20, it’s a bit surprising to see Perennial stalwart Elise Mertens outside of the Top-40 these days.
The 26-year-old had not even been to a tour-level singles semifinal in 2022, but that all changed this weekend in Tunisia.
The Belgian is clearly on her way back up.
Mertens annihilated France’s Alizé Cornet, the World No.37, on Sunday in Monastir, claiming a 6-2, 6-0 victory for her seventh career title.
She will rise six spots in the rankings in Monday's WTA rankings, to No.36, as a result of her triumph.
"It means a lot," Mertens said after the victory. "I had a pretty tough year. When they said I was in my first semifinal this year, I was like, ‘OK, it’s October, it’s never too late to start the year, or end the year with a good one.’ So I’m very happy about it.”
Mertens, a former World No.12, believes that good things will happen if she simply stays the course.
"It gives you confidence, and it gives you a little boost for all the work that you do. Never stop believing, I guess, and I have my seventh title,” she said.
Mertens claimed the final 11 games as she broke serve five times on nine opportunities against Cornet, who was also bidding for her seventh title, but clearly running on fumes on Sunday.
“No more gas today,” Cornet tweeted after the final. “Very sad I couldn't give my best on the court, but congrats to Elise and thank you to everyone for your support!”
Mertens improves to 7-4 lifetime in finals, and 3-2 lifetime against Cornet.
Cornet drops to 6-9 in finals.