THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 1, 2022

Elise Mertens

Press Conference

E. MERTENS/A. Kerber

6-4, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Great win today. Talk us through the match.

ELISE MERTENS: Thank you. It was a very good match on my side. I had two difficult ones just before, saving two match points. So I'm very happy that I could close this one in two sets.

Yeah, I mean, I didn't expect to play like this. But I felt like today was a good win, today was a good day, especially starting very well, coming back in that second set.

Yeah, very happy I could play another singles.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. I saw Kim so happy for you. How does it feel to have such an icon rooting for you?

ELISE MERTENS: It definitely gives me strength that she's in my corner. She's a great champion, great player. I feel like when she's on my side, when I see her, it really gives me strength and motivation to play even better.

And, yeah, that definitely helped today. She played her several times, also. But yeah, I mean, when she's in my corner, I feel like I have some of her power.

Q. You will have Ons now. How do you feel about this match?

ELISE MERTENS: I mean, she's an amazing player. Has been playing very good the past months.

But, yeah, I'm here also. I'm here, too, to play a good match, too. It's in two days, so we'll see how it goes. But I'm definitely more confident now with this win.

Of course, never give up and keep fighting on court.

Q. You mentioned the two match points. You saved them with some brutal rallies. Take us back to what you were thinking and how much confidence it gave you for today's match.

ELISE MERTENS: It was a very difficult match, second round, losing the first set, then down two match points. Winning them 7-6 and 6-5 in the tiebreaker.

Playing a third set yesterday, so I kind of feel like I'm on court nonstop. That's also a good sign because I haven't had those matches in the last couple weeks. I felt like, Okay, let's get some energy, some rallies, some matches in. I think that really helped me for today, too, to know that even when you're down that you can come back, mentally being tough.

I think my level was way better today than the last couple days. It's a good sign that it keep coming up hopefully. But I'm definitely going to try.

Q. Does this mean more to you because you've been out some weeks with a leg injury? How is the comeback going?

ELISE MERTENS: After Indian Wells, like, I was playing and stumbled in the first round and I felt something in my leg. I couldn't fully participate in Rome, Madrid, in clay season in general. Even though I love the Grand Slams, I love playing them, my grass season before this one wasn't so great. I did very well in doubles, but in the Grand Slams you also try to do something more.

Today was a good day. I try to keep that confidence with me.

Q. You're on an 18-slam streak of reaching at least the third round. Are you aware of the streak?

ELISE MERTENS: I'm aware of the streak, yeah, yeah. It's a very good one. Of course, I want to do even better.

But, yeah, it's a bit unusual, 18 streaks, third round for 18 times. I mean, that also gives you a little bit of confidence I guess coming into a Grand Slam.

But as for now I think grass is a very particular surface and I try to adjust as good that I can. This week it's going good so far.

Q. Kirsten Flipkens, can you talk about what she's meant to Belgian tennis.

ELISE MERTENS: When I was young - well, I'm still young - but little, I would say, she's been there for a few years already, together with Kim, together with Justine, she was there. She has a very unique kind of play.

But, yeah, someone I look up to, that's for sure. Played my first Fed Cup with her. Still playing Fed Cup with her. Played a couple doubles with her, too. Got a WTA title. I mean, I know her very well.

She was a very and still is unique person on and off court. I think a very positive person for Belgium.