The Belgian tennis players can play again in 2024 for a ticket for the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup, the former Fed Cup. In the Dôme in Charleroi they eliminated Hungary 3-1.
After the first day the score was still 1-1. Minnen had lost her first singles match on Saturday, and Wickmayer then leveled the score.
A revenge-hungry Greet Minnen performed better on the final day. “I especially wanted to find the fun on the court again,” she said. She won 3-6, 6-3 and 6-4 against Anna Bondar (WTA 114), her doubles partner eight times this season. “I had to fight for every point.”
Yanina Wickmayer could then take care of the decision, although she also had to struggle against Dalma Galfi (WTA 136). A defeat in the second set tiebreak did not slow her down, on the contrary. With 6-1 in the third set, she gave Belgium certainty about their retention.
Wickmayer’s victory means the final doubles match is cancelled. Marie Benoit and Kimberley Zimmermann would compete against the Hungarians Timea Babos and Fanni Stollar.
Earlier this year, in April, Belgium also had a shot at the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup, but lost 3-2 to Canada in Vancouver. As a result, the Belgians were referred to the play-offs.
“Winning this play-off was a must, because we want to do better next year,” said captain Wim Fissette. “We now have a new chance to qualify for the Finals. This year we lost 3-2 to Canada, which ultimately won the final. Hopefully we will now have a little more luck with the draw.”
“Beating Hungary was therefore extremely important. It was not easy after the defeat in the opening match and knowing how strong their doubles pair is. Yet Yanina (Wickmayer) and Greet (Minnen) pulled it off.”
“Wickmayer was very strong for two days. She is an example of professionalism and enthusiasm. Both days they went about it with a lot of conviction. Minnen showed a lot of mental toughness after her off day on Saturday. You just have to do it, that deserves respect. ”
Fissette assumes that he can count on Elise Mertens (WTA 29) again for the next campaign. “I have not received any negative signals from her. With her there we are of course even stronger and there are also young people who stick their noses to the window. That opens up perspectives for the future.”
2023-11-13 00:32:48
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