Belgian Tennis Star Elise Mertens Shines in 2025 Season
Belgian tennis player Elise Mertens had a standout year in 2025, achieving her first Top 20 finish in singles since 2020 and her seventh straight Top 10 finish in doubles. Despite her impressive performances, she may have been overlooked by some tennis fans due to her success at smaller WTA events.
Success in Singles
Most of Mertens’ significant results in singles came at the WTA 250 events, where she clinched titles in Singapore and ‘s-Hertogenbosch, as well as reaching the final in Hobart. However, it was her victory in ‘s-Hertogenbosch that truly stood out. In a thrilling semifinal match against Ekaterina Alexandrova, Mertens fought off an incredible 11 match points to secure a 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4 victory. This remarkable feat made her the woman to save the most match points in a tour-level match this decade.
Adding to her achievements, Mertens claimed her milestone 10th WTA title and her first on grass, making her a title winner on every surface in her career. She also reached the quarterfinals in WTA 500 events in Stuttgart and Monterrey, culminating in a No. 20 year-end ranking, her fourth career Top 20 finish in singles.
Domination in Doubles
Mertens also excelled on the doubles court in 2025, winning Wimbledon and the WTA Finals alongside Veronika Kudermetova. Their success made them the only team to secure two of the five biggest doubles titles of the year. As a result, Mertens finished the year at No. 5 in doubles, marking her seventh consecutive Top 10 finish in this discipline.
Remarkably, Mertens was one of only three women to finish the year in the Top 20 in both singles and doubles, underscoring her versatility and skill in both formats of the game.
Potential for 2026
With 70 wins under her belt in 2025, including 36 in singles and 34 in doubles, Mertens proved to be a formidable force on the women’s tour. Notably, she secured four Top 20 wins throughout the year, including a victory over then-No. 4 Jessica Pegula in Rome.
As a former Australian Open singles semifinalist and a five-time Grand Slam doubles champion, Mertens showcased her ability to challenge the top players consistently. Her impressive performances in 2025 suggest that she will be a player to watch in 2026, both in singles and doubles competitions.
Elise Mertens’ stellar season in 2025 has solidified her status as a top contender in the world of tennis, and fans can expect more exciting performances from her in the upcoming year.
Stepping Up on the Big Stage
While Elise Mertens’ success in smaller WTA events is undeniable, her ability to step up on the big stage should not be underestimated. In 2025, she made significant strides in Grand Slam tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open and the semifinals at the Australian Open. These deep runs in major tournaments highlighted her capability to compete against the top players in the world and solidified her position as a formidable opponent on any surface.
One of the most memorable matches of Mertens’ 2025 season was her thrilling three-set victory over former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals of the US Open. The hard-fought battle showcased Mertens’ mental toughness and fighting spirit, proving that she has what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Adapting to Different Playing Conditions
Another aspect of Elise Mertens’ game that stood out in 2025 was her ability to adapt to different playing conditions. Whether it was the fast grass courts of Wimbledon or the slow clay courts of Roland Garros, Mertens showcased her versatility and all-around skills. Her success on all surfaces throughout the season demonstrated her proficiency in adjusting her game to suit different challenges, making her a well-rounded and formidable opponent for any player.
Mental Strength and Resilience
One of the key factors that contributed to Elise Mertens’ success in 2025 was her mental strength and resilience on the court. Time and time again, she found herself in challenging situations, facing match points or tough opponents, but she always managed to stay calm under pressure and find a way to turn the match in her favor.
This mental fortitude was evident in several of her matches throughout the season, including her come-from-behind victory against Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of the Australian Open. Mertens’ ability to stay composed in crucial moments and raise her level of play when it mattered most set her apart from many of her competitors and played a significant role in her success in 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As Elise Mertens sets her sights on the 2026 season, there is no doubt that she will be a player to watch in both singles and doubles competitions. With her well-rounded game, mental toughness, and proven ability to compete against the best in the world, Mertens is poised to build on her success from 2025 and make an even bigger impact in the coming year.
Whether it’s chasing her first Grand Slam singles title or adding to her impressive doubles resume, Elise Mertens has all the tools to continue shining on the tennis court and solidify her position as one of the top players in the world.
Elise Mertens’ exceptional performances in 2025 have set the stage for an exciting 2026 season, where fans can expect to see even more remarkable achievements from this talented Belgian tennis star.
