Tennis: Two Belgians come out on top at the Rosmalen tournament
On grass, Elise Mertens triumphed in the women's event and Zizou Bergs reached the second final of his career in the men's draw.
Bois-le-Duc, in the Netherlands, traditionally hosts an international tournament (ATP and WTA 250) on grass in the run-up to Wimbledon.
In the women's draw, Elise Mertens reached the final after saving eleven match points against Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semi-finals. With nine WTA Tour titles to her name, the 29-year-old Belgian had a much easier time of it in the final, defeating Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse (6-3, 7-6) to lift her first ever trophy on grass.
The native of Louvain joins Belgian legends Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters on the list of winners at this tournament. "It's great to be in the same category as Kim and Justine. I'm very satisfied with my performance. To also reach the ten-title mark and win this tenth trophy in our backyard, in the Netherlands, makes the experience even more special. The tournament is not very far from Belgium and I was able to count on the support of my family and friends, as well as the Belgian fans," Elise Mertens told the press.
On the men's side, Zizou Bergs was delighted to reach the second ATP 250 final of his career in Rosmalen, after losing to Gaël Monfils of France in Auckland at the start of the year. Unfortunately, the man from Limburg narrowly lost to Canadian giant Gabriel Diallo (2m03) 7-5, 7-6. He certainly lacked a little bit of luck to finally celebrate a first title, and as the 26-year-old explains: ‘It came down to details with an opponent who played very well today’.
Great results for the Wimbledon tournament, which starts soon!