Never say die: Elise Mertens saves 11 match points in s'-Hertogenbosch semifinal comeback

Elise Mertens authored one of the most improbable comebacks in recent WTA history on Saturday at the Libéma Open by saving a staggering 11 match points in her 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova.

According to the WTA, it is the most match points saved by a player in a main-draw match in the 2020s. They all came in the second set, and 10 of the 11 came with Mertens serving.

While the third-seeded Belgian steeled herself, No. 2 seed Alexandrova, who has won the title in 's-Hertogenbosch twice, tensed. Mertens only hit one winner on the 11 match points: an inside-out backhand on Alexandrova's fourth chance at 5-4.

Afterwards, the 29-year-old Belgian confessed that she "lost count" of how many points Alexandrova had to win.

"After the first set, I was like, 'OK, let's try to be on this court for as long as possible,' which I did, I think," she said afterwards. "I'm very happy with the win. I kept on fighting, I kept on believing ... so I'm very lucky.

"Honestly, I said I'll try my best and see if it's still possible. I didn't even know the score in the second set anymore ... Recovery will be the key today, ice bath and recover as long as possible, but also enjoy this win a little bit."

Former world No. 12 Mertens will seek her second title of 2025 after winning the WTA 250 in Singapore in February, and first on grass courts.