Elise Mertens clinched her ninth WTA singles title by defeating Ann Li 6-1, 6-4 in the final of the Singapore Tennis Open on Sunday. The Belgian's victory marked her first singles title since October 2023, when she won the Jasmin Open in Monastir.
Mertens, the tournament's second seed, showcased her dominance throughout the match. She capitalised on Li's early serving difficulties, breaking her serve three times to secure the first set in just 26 minutes. In the second set, despite Li's efforts to regroup, Mertens maintained control, breaking Li's serve again at 5-4 to clinch the match after one hour and 22 minutes.
Ann Li, unseeded in the tournament, had a remarkable run to the final. She advanced to the championship match without dropping a set, defeating top-seeded Anna Kalinskaya in the semifinals after Kalinskaya retired due to injury. Li's performance in Singapore highlighted her potential and resilience on the WTA Tour.
The Singapore Tennis Open, a WTA 250 event, was held at the Kallang Tennis Centre, marking its inaugural edition. The tournament featured a competitive field, with Mertens and Li emerging as the standout players. Mertens' victory not only earned her the title but also provided a significant boost to her singles ranking, reinforcing her status as a leading player on the tour.
Looking ahead, both Mertens and Li are expected to continue their strong performances in upcoming tournaments. Mertens' experience and recent form make her a formidable contender, while Li's breakthrough in Singapore suggests a promising trajectory for her career. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching their progress in the coming months.
