The Belgian team in the Billie Jean King Cup no longer had its fate in its own hands. It had to hope that Belarus would beat Australia. Only in this way could Elise Mertens and co win group B and advance to the last four.
Unfortunately for Elise Mertens and her companions, the “Aussies” won both singles this afternoon in Prague. Because of that double stroke they secured their ticket to the semi-finals.
The day started with an easy 6-3 win for Storm Sanders (WTA 131) against Yuliya Hatouka (WTA 192). Ajla Tomljanovic (WTA 43), the Australian number 1 in the absence of Ashleigh Barty (WTA 1), then finished the job with a nail biter against Aliaksandra Sasnovich (WTA 88). The match ended 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Regardless of the result of the doubles that follows, the Australians will play in the semifinals against the first of group D, which will be decided after the game between the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
