Mertens joins Parry in Monterrey final after rallying past Bartunkova

Belgian second seed Elise Mertens overcame a set deficit to defeat Czech player Nikola Bartunkova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 at the Monterrey Open on Friday. This victory advanced her to the final against Diane Parry in the WTA 500 hardcourt tune-up event preceding the U.S. Open. Parry, 23, had previously upset American fifth seed Ann Li 7-6(7), 6-4 in a two-hour and three-minute match in the first semi-final, securing her spot in the final.

In the second semi-final, Bartunkova made a strong start, breaking Mertens in the opening game and quickly establishing a 4-1 lead. The 20-year-old maintained her advantage, winning the second set 6-1 after breaking serve for the third time in the final game. After struggling in the first set, Mertens rallied in the second, breaking Bartunkova's serve in three consecutive return games and winning six of the final seven games to level the score at 6-4.

This momentum carried over into the decisive third set, where Mertens broke Bartunkova's serve to take a 2-1 lead. She further solidified her position by breaking again in a lengthy seventh game before serving out the set 6-2 and securing the comeback win. The women's singles main draw of the U.S. Open will commence on Sunday.