Wozniacki gets humbled by Mertens in first grass court match in five years

It was a day to forget for Caroline Wozniacki, who suffered an embarrassing defeat to Elise Mertens in their first round match at the 2024 Birmingham Classic.

The Danish tennis star was looking to kick off her grass court season in style, but ran into a formidable opponent. Mertens outplayed the former World No 1, recording a definitive 6-4 6-1 victory in just an hour and 31 minutes.

The 2018 Australian Open champion was playing in her first grass court match since 2019, after having retired a year later to start a family. Wozniacki received a wildcard entry to Birmingham, and should have had an easier time against the fifth seeded Belgian.

Mertens came out firing, and soon established a 4-1 lead. Although Wozniacki managed to get one break back, she failed to capitalize on her momentum, as Mertens held serve to claim the first set.

The second set saw completely dominated by Mertens, who raced to a 4-0 lead. With the Belgian soon holding a 5-1 advantage, Wozniacki was unable to hold her serve, handing her opponent the match. This was Mertens first win against Wozniacki in three attempts, and the 28-year old will now face Caroline Dolehide in the next round.