Belgium Breaks History: Into United Cup Semifinals for the First Time

Road to the Semifinals

Belgium booked a historic place in the United Cup semifinals for the first time in its history on Thursday, as Zizou Bergs and Elise Mertens both won singles matches against their Czech opponents to seal a 2-0 lead.

By this win, Belgium will face Switzerland in the semifinals, while the United States meets the winner of Friday's quarterfinal between Australia and Poland.

Key Moments

After delivering his biggest win of his career against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the group stage, Bergs defeated Jakub Menšík 6-2 and 7-6. The Belgian entered the tournament with a modest 2-16 record against the top-20, but he has now won two straight after beating Menšík in an hour and 40 minutes.

Bergs told reporters through the tournament's official site that he did not realize he was up 5-4, then he was broken to 5-5. He fought back and tried to finish, feeling close and playing decisive points. The nerves affected his level and he began to defend, making it a real battle in the end. He said he was very happy for himself and the team.

Mertens faced a tough test against Barbora Krejčíková, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion. After an early exchange of breaks in the third set, both players held serve until Mertens broke in the 11th game, then held to win 5-7, 6-1, 7-5 in two hours and 33 minutes.

Mertens later explained that she adjusted her approach in the second set, choosing to play more aggressively. With Zizou’s win giving their team a 1-0 advantage, she felt free to go for it and expressed happiness to be in the semifinals.

In the mixed doubles, the Czech Republic earned a consolation by Linda Fruhvirtová and Dalibor Svrčina beating Greet Minnen and Sander Gillé 6-7, 6-3, 10-3.

Punchline 1: If Belgium keeps this up, the trophy might need a passport to travel with the team.

Punchline 2: And perhaps a bigger suitcase for Switzerland’s cabinets—Bell to bell, Belgium’s march to the final is packing heat.