CHINA OPEN

October 7, 2026

Elise Mertens

Mixed Zone

E. MERTENS/C. Gauff

6-3, 6-3

Q. Talking about singles, Beijing historically hasn't been the most successful tournament, but now it's clicking. Why do you think that is?

ELISE MERTENS: I mean, I had a couple of tough matches. The first two matches were close three-setters. It's a beautiful center court. A lot of fans coming. It's always nice to be here. I feel like tennis is growing here in Beijing.

But yeah, I think it definitely clicked today. I had a 0-5 loss against her. Okay, let's try something different (smiling), let's try to keep yourself in the game.

But yeah, happy that I could serve it out.

Q. Surprising stat: this is your first WTA 1000 quarterfinal since Madrid '21. Only because your quality would seem to indicate it happened before. Can you explain the gap.

ELISE MERTENS: I think I played a lot of fourth rounds, then I lost them unfortunately.

It's difficult to say. I'm 13 seed here, so you have the potential fourth round against a top-eight player. Normally I'm 20, 25. You play against a top player earlier in the rounds, which makes it difficult anyway. I think that kind of makes a bit of a difference. Still have to win them, of course.

I've been consistent for quite a while. Still trying to push myself, which I'm doing right now. One of those wins make it very wonderful.

Q. You mentioned how you wanted to play Coco differently than times past. Coco doesn't lose in straights very often. What was different that worked well for you?

ELISE MERTENS: Well, I think my serve was working well, especially my first serve was going in, the percentage. Yeah, I think I won a lot of points on my first serve. I think I kind of played, like, consistently.

Yeah, I kind of felt like she was dropping a bit in energy. I tried to push myself. But I know she's a great competitor. It's never done against her. First set 5-3, she's serving well. Then she came back. I kind of expect her to. It's a comeback.

I was kind of surprised with my match point. Is it in or out? They didn't call it. I was like, Oh, yes (laughter).

Q. You had to go from playing singles to doubles today. Obviously very different games. How do you handle the strategy difference?

ELISE MERTENS: Of course, I trust my partner. It's a new partnership. She's a bit younger than me so she can handle the energy (smiling).

I played singles and doubles my whole career. I kind of know how to adjust the energy, know how to maintain the good balance in that.

Yeah, I think we did a great job today as a team. She played some amazing shots. Happy about today.

Q. Next up Iga. Your thoughts on that matchup for a spot in the semis.

ELISE MERTENS: Of course, going to be another difficult match. There are no easy matches anymore. She's a great competitor, a great player. Yeah, played her a couple times. Didn't go my way. But you never know.

Yeah, have another doubles match tomorrow on center court. I'll use that time on center court again (laughter). It's definitely going to be an interesting match for me.

Q. You're a great tactician, have a lot of experience. What is the unique challenge with maybe the way that Iga strikes the ball, the combination of how she moves with all of that? What is the unique puzzle she presents for you to solve?

ELISE MERTENS: I think she brings a lot of intensity in the game. Try to be consistent. She slides on hard court a little bit, too. Yeah, she definitely takes the ball a little bit earlier maybe than most players. You kind of have to not let it bounce, play it back. I have to be aggressive enough to play against her. But yeah, she's mentally tough. She's a great competitor.

I'm looking forward to that match.