THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 3, 2022

Elise Mertens

Press Conference

O. JABEUR/E. Mertens

7-6, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Your initial thoughts on the match today.

ELISE MERTENS: I think it was definitely not a bad match. I think first set was very close. Second set was very close.

Yeah, as everybody knows, she's a very good player. She's been up and coming since top 5. Definitely a tough one to beat.

But I think I'm also very happy about the level that I played. I think it only went like upwards in this tournament. Unfortunately I didn't get the win today, but I can also be proud that I played another fourth round.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Do you think Ons Jabeur has a chance to win the Grand Slam this season, given that Swiatek is out and she's the highest ranked in the Championships so far?

ELISE MERTENS: Yeah, definitely, I think she has a very good chance. I think she also won Berlin. Winning a grass court tournament gives confidence for the next one.

Yeah, as I said, it's very difficult to beat her. She has very good hands. Yeah, I think she has a chance.

Q. Those five set points, is there one of those five that you feel maybe you could do something better?

ELISE MERTENS: It's difficult to say. I don't even remember all five (smiling). Well, it's difficult. I mean, she served well at that time. She also has a lot of experience. All credits to her, too.

But if I could have done something different, I think you can always do something different. That's of course. But if I really can regret something, it's not that I miss an easy one or anything. It's difficult to say at this stage.

Q. This was a high level?

ELISE MERTENS: It was a high level. I think the whole match was kind of a good level from both sides. I knew I had to play a good match to, you know, even get into the set.

So I'm happy about my performance. Of course it wasn't enough to win today, but I hope I can keep on building on this level.

Q. Doubles now?

ELISE MERTENS: I will try everything in doubles. I will be back tomorrow before noon already, but I'm here to play tennis. I will be playing around 2:00, but I'm ready to battle.

This one definitely gives me confidence to go further. I have a good partner on my side. We have fun on court, but we also had a good result in Birmingham. Yeah, this one gives confidence for tomorrow.