"After one or two, I stopped counting them," Mertens reflects on her victory after saving 11 match points in 's-Hertogenbosch

Elise Mertens delivered an exceptional performance this Saturday afternoon during the semifinals of the WTA 250 tournament in 's-Hertogenbosch (Bois-le-Duc). With her back against the wall and trailing 6-2, 5-3, the Belgian, ranked 25th in the world, saved eleven match points in the second set, ten of which were on her own serve.

After being broken in the third set, Mertens showcased her mental strength by winning three consecutive games and sealing the victory on her second match point (2-6, 7-6, 6-4). After the match, the player, who will face Elena-Gabriela Ruse in an attempt to win her second title this season, reacted to this astonishing and dramatic scenario.

"It was a tough match. I think she started very well and led 6-2, 5-3. I tried to stay focused on my game and give everything I had. In the third set, I told myself, 'Okay, maybe you have a good opportunity here.' I’m very happy I was able to take my chances.

I didn’t even know I had saved 11 match points. After one or two, I lost track and stopped counting. I was just focused on my game. That’s also what I like about myself—the fact that I keep fighting no matter what," Mertens explained to WTA media.