If there was any doubt that Elise Mertens of Belgium was the best tennis player all week at the One Love Tennis Open in Peachtree Corners last week, she put the doubters to rest on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-2 win over local favorite Melanie Oudin.
Due to rain, the singles final between top-seed Elise Mertens and Melanie Oudin was moved indoors, but a large and appreciative crowd witnesses what would amount to WTA Tour quality play by two competitors looking to work their way into the top-100.
Elise Mertens and Melanie Oudin each had only dropped one set in reaching the finals and both players knew they had to play their best to take home the winner’s trophy.
Mertens earned an early break as both players settled in for extended baseline rallies. Oudin scratched a the break back to even the opening set at 4-4, but Mertens raised her level of play to win the next eight points and the set 6-4.
“She played really offensive, but she either hit a winner or missed,” stated the 20-year old Mertens. “My serve was better today, so I had more of an advantage.”
Mertens confidence increased as she jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second set. The Belgian played defensively at times, but that forced errors off the Oudin forehand. Mertens held serve at 5-3 to take the championship. Ultimately, it was Mertens who had the most sound game all week.
“Tremendous play by both girls today in the finals,” added tournament director, Turhan Berne. “For our first year, and putting this together quickly, it ended up so well.”
The world No. 131 and resident of Hamount-Ache, Belgium was also successful looping her backhand deep to Oudin while waiting for the error.
“She had a great week here,” added Mertens clutching the winner’s check and trophy after the 6-4, 6-2 victory. ‘It was a fun atmosphere and I liked it, even playing indoors. I tried to get ahead and minimize mistakes.”
Even though the singles final was moved indoors, it was well attended by sponsor and spectators.
Next up for Mertens and Oudin is a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico and the next USTA Pro Circuit event. The USTA Pro Circuit will return to Georgia starting Oct. 22, with the W.L. Amos Sr. Tennis Classic at Mercer University in Macon.
Sunday’s result
[1] Elise MERTENS (BEL) d. Melanie OUDIN (USA) 6-4, 6-2
Elise Mertens of Belgium wins in Georgia
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