Steady, Solid and Smart

They're key aspects of Mertens' game that helped 2nd seed clinch S'pore Open

- Rohit Brijnath

The most elusive thing in sport is the trophy. It is dreamed of, sweated over and fought for almost every week. It involves science, tactics, wisdom and pain. It is pursued by all but won by a few. On the WTA tennis tour there are over 1,400 ranked players but only 52 trophies available in 2025. To be one of the chosen few is thus a feat.

It is why No. 2 seed Elise Mertens collapsed to her knees on court after her 82-minute 6-1, 6-4 victory over American Ann Li in the final of the WTA Singapore Open on Feb 2. Delight had to wait; the first emotion was a rush of relief.

Later, a gentle smile painted onto her face and trophy resting before her, the Belgian told The Straits Times: "I think, especially in a final, it gives you a little bit of a different emotion because you know it's all or nothing... You get the title or you don't win the title... It's kind of relief at the end, especially when it's a tight second set, you never know what's going to happen."