Elise Mertens Unfazed Before Historic Wimbledon Quarterfinal: Asks About Her Dogs and Sheep

LONDON — While most athletes facing the biggest match of their career would be consumed by nerves, visualizing tactics, or studying their opponent’s weaknesses, Belgian tennis star Elise Mertens had other priorities. As she prepared for her first Wimbledon quarterfinal in singles, the 30-year-old was reportedly asking about her dogs and sheep back home.

According to her mother Liliane, interviewed by La Libre Belgique, Mertens was inquiring about the animals at her petting farm in Hamont-Achel, Limburg, rather than dwelling on the pressure of the moment. It’s a glimpse into the personality of a player who has long found solace in her four-legged companions.

A Career Milestone at 30

Mertens reached her first Wimbledon quarterfinal on July 6 by defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-4 in the fourth round. The achievement marked the end of a long drought at the All England Club, where she had previously fallen in the fourth round three times (2019, 2022, 2025).

“I am so happy that I won today,” Mertens told Sporza after the match. “I’ve been eliminated four times before the quarterfinals. I apparently had to turn 30 to reach the quarterfinals here.”

It is her fourth Grand Slam quarterfinal in singles overall, following runs at the US Open (2019, 2020) and the Australian Open (2018), where she went one step further to the semifinals. The path to this moment was anything but easy. Mertens stunned world No. 2 and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the third round (7-6, 6-1) before dispatching Bouzkova.

Finding Peace Among Animals

Mertens’ love for animals is well-documented. She lives in Achel with her partner and coach Christopher Heyman, where they maintain a “kinderboerderij” (petting farm) with eight adopted dogs, sheep, and a bird aviary, with plans to add deer. In an earlier interview, she explained: “With animals, I find peace.”

That peace has been especially important during this Wimbledon campaign, as her mother Liliane — normally a constant presence at tournaments worldwide — was absent due to back problems requiring surgery. The absence of her biggest supporter might have rattled a lesser competitor, but Mertens has channeled her energy into her unique brand of calm.

The Challenge Ahead: Linda Noskova

Standing between Mertens and a semifinal berth is 21-year-old Czech rising star Linda Noskova (WTA 12, seeded 9th). The contrast between the two players is striking: Mertens, the veteran who waited until 30 for her Wimbledon breakthrough, and Noskova, the prodigy who reached the quarterfinals nearly a decade younger.

Noskova, as profiled by Sporza, is a powerful hard-hitter who won the Roland Garros junior title in 2021 and made her Grand Slam quarterfinal debut at the Australian Open in 2024, where she famously defeated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. She arrives at Wimbledon after winning the Berlin grass title in June 2026 and eliminated Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the fourth round.

The match presents a fascinating tactical battle. Mertens relies on consistency, defense, and variation, while Noskova prefers to take the initiative with powerful groundstrokes and a dominant serve. For Mertens, the key will be to disrupt Noskova’s rhythm and force extended rallies.

A Shared Love for Animals

In a charming twist, both players share a love for animals. The Sporza profile notes that Noskova also enjoys spending time with her pets, adding a layer of warmth to what promises to be a fiercely competitive encounter on Court 1.

What to Watch For

Regardless of the outcome, Mertens has already achieved her best Wimbledon result and proven that her game translates to grass at the highest level. Her journey from a player who couldn’t break through at Wimbledon to one who toppled a former champion and reached the quarterfinals is a testament to perseverance.

“I have a lot of confidence from the last two matches,” Mertens said. “You never know what can happen. I’m here now and we’ll see where this ends.”

For a player who finds peace among sheep and dogs, the roar of the Wimbledon crowd is just another sound to embrace.