Elise Mertens (WTA 15) will do everything to do better than last year at Roland Garros. She will take on the Australian qualifying player Storm Sanders (WTA 161) in the first round on Monday or Tuesday.
Last year, the Limburgian went out in the third round against home player Caroline Garcia and she wants to avoid that scenario this year. She doesn’t dare to think about a tournament win or reaching the final, but she already has an idea who could make it to the final.
“Sabalenka will be the player to follow for me”, Mertens said. “She is in great shape. When she feels in her element and manages to impose her aggressive play, there is little to say against her. In addition, she has never won a Grand Slam, which adds to her motivation. She did pocket the tournament win in Madrid. ”
Mertens can only meet Sabalenka in a possible final. She no longer doubles with the Belarusian, who chose to focus on singles. Mertens will double alongside 35-year-old Taiwanese Hsieh Su-Wei.
“We will play together at Roland Garros and undoubtedly also at the grass tournaments,” Mertens continued. “If it works all the better and if not, so be it. For now, we only played two games at two tournaments together. “
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