Mertens and a unique Wimbledon: "Who knows if it is my last opportunity"

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Elise Mertens doesn't want anyone to wake her up from her dream at Wimbledon 2026. The Belgian had not reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal in six years and now returns after defeating players like Elena Rybakina and Marie Bouzkova along the way, with Bouzkova eliminated in the round of 16 with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

Mertens is accustomed to reaching the second weeks of Grand Slams, not for her singles performance but for her success in the women's doubles, where she has already won six majors and currently ranks fourth. Therefore, this individual success for Mertens, at 30 years old, may be a unique opportunity for her.

Elise Mertens and a quarterfinal in Wimbledon 2026 that could be her last

"One can dream it, but not everyone reaches a quarterfinal. I think it's been a long time since I achieved this. This is the fourth time I reach the fourth round here, but I had never played a quarterfinal. So yes, I thought that maybe this was my opportunity. Who knows, if it's my last chance. Maybe yes, maybe no. But I'm already over 30, so achieving it, playing a quarterfinal, is something incredible."

Mertens sees no difficulty in reaching the second week of a Grand Slam

"It's not difficult to be here in the second week. For me, I'm motivated. I remain motivated, of course, because you never know how things will end. I think the key is to believe in yourself, seize the opportunities you may have. Of course, Bouzkova has had a very good season on grass. I knew that from the start, but it's not difficult to be here."

Mertens explains the differences between singles and doubles

"It's very different, singles and doubles. But I'm very happy to perform well in both. Of course, I've been on the circuit for many years, playing good tennis in singles and doubles. It's just a balance that I believe I've managed over the years. But now I'm focused on singles, and reaching the quarterfinals feels incredible."

How tennis has changed since Mertens' last quarterfinal in a Grand Slam

"I feel different. I think tennis definitely evolves. Sometimes you have to take risks, play big points. Not that we didn't take risks before, but I feel that now the balls are a bit faster, more powerful, more movement. You don't get as many free points. Also, in serving and returning, I feel that the level is present in all players."

"It's never an easy match, as you can see from my rounds. In the second round, I played against a young player and struggled a bit in the first set. So yeah, I would say I try to improve every day, if I can, every week. Tennis offers the opportunity to do so because there are many tournaments. You try to reach your peak, especially in Grand Slams, of course. My mentality is that if I'm playing, I keep trying to get better. I think this is the result," concluded a Elise Mertens who is enjoying a Wimbledon 2026 to remember.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mertens y un Wimbledon único: "Quién sabe si es mi última oportunidad"