Belgian star has sights set on creating history

Twice before, defending champions have made it to the final the following year only to go down. They were Belgian Dominique van Roost (199798) and American Chanda Rubin (1999-2000).

Mertens will start strong favourite in today’s playoff.

“No pressure,” she said. “It’s going to be an exciting match for both players. I’m just going to give it my all.”

To complicate her build-up, Mertens was due for a one-hour rest after winning her semi before she hit the court again to contest the doubles semi-final with Dutch partner Demi Schuurs. But it rained heavily, causing a long delay, so Mertens lounged around in the clubhouse.

“I’m just sitting around resting, trying to recover from singles, so the delay is a good thing,” she said.

It will not interfere with her final preparation.

“It’s going to be mentally tough because you want to win the title,” she said. “It’s my third final now and every final is special.

“It’s the first time I go in as the highest-ranked player so it’s different from that point of view. It means a lot, of course, to make the final again here. It’s something special.”

Buzarnescu has not dropped a set this week as she heads into her first WTA final against a player who has beaten her twice.

“She is a very good player and she has good form,” Buzarnescu said.