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Qatar Open: Elise Mertens beats Simona Halep to win her biggest tour title

Related Topics: Qatar, Title, Simona Halep, Elise Mertens

Elise Mertens has claimed the biggest title of her career by beating top seed Simona Halep to win the Qatar Open.

Mertens, 23, recovered from a set and a break down - losing 18 points in a row at one stage in the second set - to beat the world number three 3-6 6-4 6-3.

World number 21 Mertens also overcame a lengthy medical time-out for a back issue in the first set.

"Simona is a great player and it's nice to get the trophy," the Belgian said.

Halep, 27, who last won the Qatar title in 2014, said: "Honestly, I wanted to lift this beautiful trophy but Elise deserved it very much.