Robbe Ceyssens, coach and partner Elise Mertens, work plan for new victory at the Australian Open

Elise Mertens (WTA 37) placed themselves Wednesday after an improbable comeback for the third round of the Australian Open. The Limburg was in the first set to 5-0 in the chalk against the Australian Daria Gavrilova (WTA 23), but won in the end in 7-5 and 6-3. “Elise is her tactical plan remained faithful, and that has paid off”, responded to her coach and partner Robbe Ceyssens.

“Gavrilova played very strong in the beginning, but I knew that wasn’t going to continue,” said Ceyssens. “When it was in the first set was very difficult, I have recommended the storm to pass. Elise has afterwards the lesser points of Gavrilova, such as her backhand can be exploited, and ultimately, the Australian mentally through the ice fall. It was the case for both tennissters not evident until just before midnight to get the party started. Normally you are lying all in your bed.”

Mertens meets Alizé Cornet (WTA 42) for a place in the eighth finals. The Belgian looked at the French and never before in the eyes. “We will have a plan for that race,” promised Ceyssens. “Cornet has a fine counter-attack in the arms and moves quickly across the field. She is a bit of an all-rounder. We will see how we handle it. But first, Elise, mainly to rest and recuperate to be ready for the new battle.”