Mertens overpowers Starodubtseva to reach Monterrey semifinals

Elise Mertens needed only two efficient sets to move past Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-1 6-4 in the Monterrey quarterfinals. The Belgian's serve was the difference: she landed 65.2 percent of first deliveries and won 86.7 percent of those points, backing it up with seven aces against three double faults. Starodubtseva, who did not hit an ace all match, managed just 57.1 percent behind her first serve and 52.4 percent behind her second, leaving her under constant pressure. After the early rout, she steadied enough to make the second set competitive, but Mertens' hold percentage never wavered on her way into the semifinals.