Mertens stuns Kenin with almost perfect performance

Belgian Elise Mertens stunned second seed Sofia Kenin at the US Open on Monday, beating the highly fancied American 6-3. 6-3 in 74 minutes to reach the quarter finals.

No. 16 seed Mertens fired 19 winners and conceded only seven unforced errors to dominate the match.

The last night match on Arthur Ashe saw the Belgian claim an early lead in the first set – and she never looked back.

Kenin lost her way and never settled as Mertens used the full width of the court to her advantage.

When Mertens broke Kenin a second time in the first set to claim a 5-1 lead, there was no way back. Kenin pulled back two games but Mertens finished with superb drop shot.

Kenin found some form at the start of the second set but Mertens held out before taking a lead and forcing her fustrated opponent into mistakes.

Mertens, ranked 18, will play Victoria Azarenka in the quarters, after Azarenka came from a set down to beat Karolina Muchova 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Peter Rowe

Recent Posts

Tsitsipas inspired by tennis return to Europe

Greek-born Stefanos Tsitsipas is ready to defend his Monte Carlo title, boosted by the annual ATP…

6 hours ago

Zverev counts on home cooking in Monaco

Alexander Zverev hopes a week of home cooking and the influence of visiting family will…

6 hours ago

Raducanu dumps BJK Cup appearance

Emma Raducanu has made a last-minute schedule change, with the Briton withdrawing from BJK Cup…

3 days ago

Badosa aims for back injury return by Madrid

Paula Badosa has given herself less than a month to be fit for the Madrid…

5 days ago

Teen Mensik denies Djokovic his title century

Czech Jakub Mensik crashed the Miami Masters party for Novak Djokovic as the teenager kept…

6 days ago

Sabalenka wins Miami with 3rd defeat of Pegula

Aryna Sabalenka shook off a one-hours rain delay as she defeated Jessica Pegula for the…

1 week ago