Mertens important for Belgian Fed Cup team

The Belgian Fed Cup team will continue to play in the world group next year. Belgium, led by Elise Mertens, was too strong for Italy with 4-0.
Leader of the team Mertens won the opening match in Genua against home player Jasmine Paolini (WTA-144). The world’s number 17 was too strong for the Italian number two with 6-1 and 7-5. Subsequently Alison van Uytvanck doubled the advantage by defeating Sara Errani in three sets: 6-4 6-7(8) 6-2.

The third match was decided quickly. Mertens convincingly defeated Errani on the Italian gravel. Belgium’s number one lost only four games (6-3, 6-1) and won the third and decisive point for her country.

Belgium will play in the highest ranks of the Fed Cup tournament for the second time since 2012. Belgium won the nations tournament in 2001 with Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin.