HOBART, Australia – Belgian qualifier Elise Mertens pulled off the latest upset in a surprising week at the Hobart International, stunning top seed Kiki Bertens, 6-2, 7-5 to reach the semifinals.

“I didn’t expect to win, but in tennis anything can happen,” she said in her post-match press conference. “Today was my day; I played at a good level. In the end I was a bit nervous playing against Kiki, but I’m happy I won.

“I’m pleased with my level. I think I’m playing pretty well and I hope I can hold onto this into the next tournaments.”

Bertens had looked in solid form on Wednesday to advance into the last eight, but struggled from the outset against Mertens, losing serve all four times in the opening set.

The 2016 French Open semifinalist steadied herself in the second, breaking in the seventh game and earning a pair of set points at 5-3, but the qualifier saved both and rode the momentum into an 80-minute win.

“It was tough today,” Bertens said. “Elise started really well; credit to her, I think she played a great match. I was searching for rhythm. Of course, I’m disappointed today, but what can I do?

“Before the match, I was trying to play aggressively, and I don’t think I did that well enough today.”

Mertens’ extended stay in Hobart meant she was unable to attend Australian Open qualifying, but a semifinal run seems to have made up for that disappointment.

“I’m happy to be in Hobart and I’m 100% behind my decision. I’m happy to be here and I’m giving everything I have. Kiki’s a great player, so it was a tough match. In the end, I got it done.”

Up next for Mertens is fellow qualifier Jana Fett, who ousted lucky loser Veronica Cepede Royg, 6-1, 6-4.