Elise Mertens and Zizou Bergs finish as runners-up ahead of Australian Open
On Saturday morning, Elise Mertens lost to McCartney Kessler in the WTA Hobart final, while Zizou Bergs was beaten by Gaël Monfils in the ATP Auckland final. Despite the defeats, their overall tournament results will give them confidence ahead of the start of the Australian Open on Sunday.
Elise Mertens had the chance to win her third title at the WTA tournament in Hobart, Australia, following victories in 2017 and 2018. But the 29-year-old lost in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 0-6) to American McCartney Kessler in the final.
Zizou Bergs, meanwhile, was defeated in his first ever ATP tournament final, in Auckland, New Zealand. The Belgian lost in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) to 38-year-old Frenchman Gaël Monfils, who won his 13th title.
Grand Slam confidence
Despite the defeats, the Belgians will travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open with confidence, thanks to their excellent results in the remaining tournaments. Mertens overcame a sprained ankle, while Bergs achieved a six-match winning streak, starting in the qualifiers.
The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, begins on Sunday. Mertens will face Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic, while Bergs will take on Argentina's Facundo Diaz Acosta.
In the men's singles, Bergs will be joined by David Goffin, who will be looking to improve on his quarter-final finish in 2017, and Gauthier Onclin, who will be making his Grand Slam debut. In addition to Mertens, Greet Minnen has qualified for the women's singles tournament for the fifth time.
Belgium's most likely success will come in the women's doubles, where Mertens is the defending champion. The Belgian won the Australian Open last year with Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei. This year, she is teaming up with Australia's Ellen Perez.
PHOTO © Michael Bradley / AFP
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