Billie Jean King Cup: Belgium defeats the US to reach the Final 8
The Belgian women’s national tennis team, nicknamed the Yellow Aces, secured its place in the Final 8 of the Billie Jean King Cup on Saturday at the Coretec Dôme in Ostend. Greet Minnen (WTA 149) won the decisive third point for Belgium in their tie against the United States thanks to a surprise victory in two sets over Iva Jovic (WTA 16), the highest-ranked American. The final score was 3-1.
Minnen had stepped in at the last minute to replace Elise Mertens, who was suffering from back and hamstring problems, and got off to a difficult start. She fell 0-2 behind but quickly fought her way back into the match. Thanks to two breaks, she climbed to a 4-2 lead. Jovic drew level again, but ultimately lost the first set 7-5.
The 18-year-old American, who reached the semi-finals of the WTA 500 tournament in Charleston last week and the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year, struggled at the Coretec Dôme and also fell behind 2-0 in the second set. She became frustrated and began missing more and more easy balls. Minnen remained calm and pulled ahead to 4-1. She sealed the deal on her third match point on Jovic’s serve. Another surprising success for the Belgians, following Hanne Vandewinkel’s victory on Friday, also against Jovic.
The day had got off to a difficult start for the Yellow Aces on Saturday. In the doubles, Elise Mertens and Magali Kempen lost in two sets to Caty McNally and Nicole Melichar-Martinez.
On Friday, the Belgians enjoyed a fantastic first day thanks to victories by Vandewinkel and Mertens. Vandewinkel opened with a resounding victory in two sets against Jovic. Mertens benefited from the retirement of McCartney Kessler, who was struggling with back pain, at 3-3 in the third set.
Thanks to their victory over the United States, the Belgians have qualified for the Billie Jean King Cup Final 8, to be held in Shenzhen, China, from 22 to 27 September.
The Belgian women’s national tennis team secured its place in the Final 8 of the Billie Jean King Cup © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE