Billie Jean King Cup: Switzerland starts successfully, Belgium is defeated by Slovakia
While Elise Mertens lost to Slovakia after a crazy journey with the Belgians, Belinda Bencic and Switzerland made a successful entry into the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup 2022.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Nov 09, 2022, 05:01 pm
To put the madness of tournament planning into words: Elise Mertens, still involved in the doubles final at the WTA Finals in Fort Worth on the night from Sunday to Monday. And should have played against Slovakia as the Belgian number one in the final round of the Billie Jean King Cup this Wednesday. The Belgians didn't do that. And with Ysaline Bonaventure (against Viktorie Kuzmova) and Maryna Zanevska (against Anna-Karolina Schmiedlova) promptly lost both singles.
In doubles, Mertens then competed with Kirsten Flipkens. And secured Belgium the honor point, which also leaves the chance of reaching the semi-finals open. But the Australians will have to be defeated 3-0 in the last group game.
The Swiss women's preparation wasn't quite as exciting. In the first match against Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Jil Teichmann still had to tremble until the end and won 6:3, 4:6 and 7:6 (5). Olympic champion Belinda Bencic secured the success of last year's finalists with a 7:5 and 6:3 against Jasmine Paolini.