CHINA OPEN

October 9, 2026

Elise Mertens

Mixed Zone

E. MERTENS/I. Swiatek

7-6, 6-3

Q. In terms of the level that you were able to play, to be able to hold off any break points, she didn't have any...

ELISE MERTENS: That's a good statistic.

Q. What was the key tonight?

ELISE MERTENS: I think consistency honestly. I know she's an incredible player and she can always come back into that match. I tried to keep that momentum going.

Very tight first set. Great tiebreak from me. Then I kind of, okay, let's try to focus on the serving games, let's try to put the pressure on a little bit. Don't get too defensive, but try to push yourself, which I did.

At the end I was very happy that I could serve it out. Very nerve-wracking again. But of course it's a great victory for me.

Q. Your first two matches were close three-set matches. Your matches against Grand Slam champions have been close, as well, but...

ELISE MERTENS: I mean, sometimes you just grow into a tournament. My second round, that girl or woman already played a match and she kind of knew the circumstances. Kind of my first match, you have to feel the ball a little bit.

Then yeah, Ostapenko, she can play some good tennis, too. No easy rounds.

But yeah, I think I kind of grew into the tournament, feeling more confident, too, more consistent.

Q. Your next opponent will be Qinwen. She has made a strong comeback, especially in the US Open. Have you done any research? What preparation would you have in mind?

ELISE MERTENS: Well, the first preparation is today. I really had to do a good prep the day before and today.

But yeah, she's an incredible player. She's been a top-10 player. Of course, unlucky with the injury. But her level is there. It's going to be a great match. Of course, she has a home advantage. But still I'm enjoying my time here in Beijing. I'm still in singles and doubles. Going to give myself 100% again.

Q. Do you feel like you thrive in those atmospheres where you're playing in front of a very rowdy home crowd? Do you like playing in these atmospheres?

ELISE MERTENS: I do like it. Like today, too, of course I know a lot of people are going to cheer for Iga, that's normal. Incredible player. I'm used to that (smiling).

But no, for me, I don't mind. I don't mind at all. It's nice for tennis, women's tennis, that people come and watch us.

Q. If I were to say what is the most adverse crowd you'd have to play against, what match comes to mind?

ELISE MERTENS: I'm thinking like US Open night match against an American, like Keys in my early days, very early days. I played Madison on center night session. So yeah, that will do it (laughter).

Q. Today the Chinese crowds also cheered a lot for you, especially after you claimed the victory. I'm sure there will be a lot of them cheering for you. How do you find the Chinese fans in general?

ELISE MERTENS: I love China. I love Beijing. That's why I really want to stay a couple more days. But no, they're very respectful. Even though they cheered a bit more for Iga today, I still felt, yeah, a lot of love from the crowd.

I'm happy to be here.

Q. Did you receive some interesting gifts from Chinese fans?

ELISE MERTENS: I did receive like a key chain. It was from Wimbledon. It was me like in a picture. Really nice gift. A lot of bears, Teddy bears and stuff like that. It's nice to get a lot of gifts. It's actually only here in China that we get such amazing gifts and amazing fans like that.

Q. Your celebration after the match shows how much this result, making a semifinal after all this time at a 1000, in the doubles as well, but what does this result and this week, a singles resurgence, mean to you?

ELISE MERTENS: I mean, very unexpected. On the other hand I'm stilling doing the same as I've been doing for many years. It's really nice to get that recognition once in a while.

Now back-to-back top 10 wins. You don't do that every day. I'm just taking it all in. Today I didn't expect it to go my way. After the first set I was like, okay, let's keep pushing. You never know with her.

For me, yeah, this is one of the best weeks for sure out of my year. Wimbledon and this one.

Q. You have to go back to back tomorrow with the singles semifinal and the doubles semifinal. What is the challenge about having to do that? You've done these things before. Let us into your head.

ELISE MERTENS: For now recovery. Recovery is key. Eat, sleep and repeat the same. Yeah, just focus on the singles first. That's definitely the goal. Singles, let's see the preparation for that. A good night of sleep will definitely help.

Then just take it hour per hour. Let's see how it goes in singles tomorrow. Let's see how much energy I still have for doubles. But singles has to be priority.

Q. Chinese fans give nicknames to the players. What nicknames of the players stand out to you?

ELISE MERTENS: I don't know actually. I have no idea.

Q. (No microphone.)

ELISE MERTENS: I don't know how I feel about that. I don't know. Like Aryna is Tiger or something, or she wants to be. I'm not so sure actually, so I'm sorry.

Q. Would you like to get one?

ELISE MERTENS: Sure. If it's a nice one, though.