Mertens Battles Past Topalova, Gives Belgium 2-1 Lead Over Bulgaria

Elise Mertens kicked off 2023 by giving Belgium a 2-1 lead over Bulgaria at the United Cup in Perth, though her 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 win over substitute Gergana Topalova wasn't all smooth sailing.

No.323-ranked Topalova was a last-minute replacement for Bulgaria's top WTA player, Viktoriya Tomova, who sustained a left calf injury in her Day 2 loss to Maria Sakkari. The 22-year-old was making her tour-level debut; indeed, she had never even played a WTA qualifying draw before, nor had she faced an opponent ranked higher than No.130.

However, Topalova had improved her year-end ranking from No.512 to No.308 over the course of 2022, and demonstrated why in an impressive performance against Mertens. She nailed a backhand winner on the second point of the match, and that shot would prove an impressive weapon across the one-hour, 55-minute contest.

Nonetheless, WTA Finals doubles champion Mertens' experience and all-court prowess kept her in front. The Belgian won 16 out of 22 points at net, and racked up 22 winners in total. However, her service level fluctuated somewhat; Mertens accumulated eight double faults, repeatedly beckoning Topalova back into the match.

But No.29-ranked Mertens was able to withstand her opponent's comeback attempts each time. She was twice up a break in the first set, but after being pegged back to 4-4 found her best returns and serves to take the last two games. And after Topalova came from 2-0 down in the second set to level the match, Mertens responded with a dominant third set in which she only conceded three points on serve.

Belgium are now one win from victory with two rubbers to go. ATP No.129 Zizou Bergs has the opportunity to seal the tie against Bulgaria's Dimitar Kuzmanov in the next match on RAC Arena, but the potential for the first mixed doubles deciding rubber remains alive.