Mertens sets up clash with world number one Swiatek in Stuttgart

Belgian tennis player Elise Mertens celebrates a point against German Tatjana Maria during their women's singles round of 32 tennis match at the Stuttgart Open Tennis tournament. Marijan Murat/dpa

Belgium's Elise Mertens set up a last 16 clash against world number one Iga Swiatek at the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart after defeating Tatjana Maria on Tuesday.

Mertens notched a 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 win over the German and will face two-time defending champion Swiatek for the first time.

Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen also got off to a strong start with a 6-2, 6-3 win against Sorana Cirstea and advanced to the last 16 for a second straight year.

Zheng had a long trip from China to Germany, but showed no signs of jet lag.

"It was not easy, but I sleep on the plane, so the time passed fast," she said.

Belgian tennis player Elise Mertens in action against German Tatjana Maria during their women's singles round of 32 tennis match at the Stuttgart Open Tennis tournament. Marijan Murat/dpa
German tennis player Tatjana Maria in action against Belgian Elise Mertens during their women's singles round of 32 tennis match at the Stuttgart Open Tennis tournament. Marijan Murat/dpa