Masarova fell to Mertens and gave Spain its first Hopman Cup point

Rebecca Masarovavictim of his irregularity, fell before Elise Mertens, 7-6, 2-6 and 10-5 in the ‘super tie break’, and Spain lost to Belgium in the first of three encounters they have to play this Friday in Hopman Cup which was played in Nice.

Masarovawhich was replaced Paula Badosa -he injured his back at Wimbledon-, he lived a day of ups and downs that ultimately cost him in the final “super tie break”. Mertens himself, after the crash, recognized that it was key to bring out his best version at the right moment.

“Focusing on every point is key. In the super tie break anything can happen and I got my best tennis at the best moment. I trust my team,” said Mertens.

Previously, the Spanish tennis player started strongly, with a break of service in the first instance where he put himself at a sweet 0-2 in favor on the scoreboard. However, Mertens reacted quickly and answered with another “break” in which she leveled the first set, where Masarova took 3-5 and had a chance to serve to lead the scoreboard.

So, Masarova Failing again, Mertens caught his breath and despite accumulating up to eight double faults in the first ten games, he survived to deal the final blow to the Spanish tennis player in the ‘tie break’ (7-3).

Against the odds, Masarova, who seemed sunk, revived in the second set and brought out her best version to give her rival a tennis lesson, succeeding again and again to surrender the set unopposed ( 2-6)

In the end, the ‘super tie break’ decided the first point of the tie. Masarova, euphoric after equalizing the game, fell after a disappointing start. It was put behind 5-1 on the scoreboard, but put on a constant roller coaster, it came back to put itself at 5-5. But Mertens produced her best tennis, scoring five points in a row and ending a match in which Masarova showed an irregularity that led to her downfall.