Elise Mertens has pulled off one of many largest wins of her China Open run, beating fourth-seeded Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3 to succeed in the quarterfinals in Beijing.
The Belgian had by no means overwhelmed Gauff of their earlier 5 conferences, however she modified that report with a composed efficiency in opposition to the American, who struggled to search out her rhythm all through the match.
Gauff made 34 unforced errors and hit eight double faults as Mertens took management. The American additionally appeared to wrestle bodily through the second set, telling her staff that she had “no vitality” and felt like she was going to cross out.
The victory ended a 0-5 head-to-head report in opposition to Gauff and secured her first China Open quarterfinal in her seventh look on the event.
The win additionally gave Mertens her tenth profession victory over a Prime 5 participant and her second such win of the 2026 season, following her victory over Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon.
After the match, Mertens devoted the win to her boyfriend and coach.
“My coach/boyfriend, it’s his birthday tomorrow. So for me, this win is devoted to him.”
Mertens will now look to proceed her run in Beijing as she bids to succeed in the semifinals of a WTA 1000 occasion for the primary time since Dubai in 2021.
