Canada beat Belgium 3-2 to celebrate their third straight qualification to the Billie Jean King Cup final. It was the Canadians’ first win in four straight meetings between the two nations at the event. Belgium actually won in the first round in 1969 and 1981, and then in February 2009 in the first round of World Group II. At the time, comparisons between countries were limited, thanks to decisive doubles. Kirsten Flipkens and Yanina Wickmayer’s win over Stephanie Dubois and Alexandra Wozniak.
Results The first day’s match ended 1-1. Canadian No. 1 Leila Fernandez defeated former world No. 12 Yanina Wickmayer 60 63 despite suffering from a left ankle problem that penalized her serve above all else. Ysaline Bonaventure then defeated Rebecca Marino 46 64 64, penalized by 79 frees and 10 double faults. World No. 136 Kathryn Sebow (top seed) replaced Marino, who suffered from nausea.
Fernandez, a finalist at the US Open 2021, was the star of the challenge. On the second day, she beat Ysaline Bonaventure 46 75 62 in a comeback. Both captains changed players for the second singles. Minnan, No. 171, replaced Wickmayer, who was suffering from an ankle injury, and managed to extend the challenge, winning 62 36 63. No history for decisive doubles: Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski dominate 61 62 Minnan and Kirsten Flipkens finish second. The Belgian tied Sabine Appelmans for the most ties at the event.
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