“Why not select Kimberley Zimmermann, 89th in the world in doubles and Belgian n°2 in the discipline?” we asked Captain Wim Fissette. “That’s a good questionhe replied. It was a very difficult decision. For me, it was essential to give Jeline experience to prepare for the future. Sofia, Hanne and Marie were already assured of their selection, but Hanne has been slightly injured in recent weeks, as has Ysaline (Bonaventure). We had to have enough singles players available. Of course, the doubles is important, especially in this decisive context, but I think that Hanne and Sofia played at an excellent level against a very strong team. Maybe I’ll make other choices next time, and I hope Kimberley comes back.”
Billie Jean King Cup: Marie Benoit, baptism of fire against the Chinese
Fissette: “We must build with youth”
“The feeling is bitter enough, analyzed Sofia Costoulas. On a personal level, I take away a lot of positive things and a lot of confidence from the match I played today against such a player (Editor’s note: she dismissed Xiyu Wang, 103rd in the world, with a double 7-5). But disappointment dominates. In a few days, looking back, I will be able to be satisfied. I think we showed very good fighting spirit. We must build on this for the future and learn from it to grow.”
Despite its outsider status, the Belgian team can be proud of its journey and its week which started on Monday, after a tiring 24-hour journey from Zaventem airport. “It took us time to adapt and for everyone to find their best level. With Hanne returning from injury there were several questions and we knew it would be difficult, especially after the defections of our star players (Ed: Elise Mertens and Greet Minnen). Saturday was a complicated day but I had the feeling that opportunities would present themselves. Very good Saturday, Wang actually played at a lower level this Sunday. Sofia knew how to take advantage of it, she played very intelligently and she remained mentally strong. She was disciplined, point after point. Hanne also had a great victory. Both being in a good dynamic and having gained confidence on the court, I decided to line them up. And honestly, they have evolved at a good level. I think with this team we may have reached the maximum here. Obviously, it’s a shame to leave the world group. If we could have played with one or two of our best players… It’s unfortunate. We must now build with youth. It’s an equally interesting project.”concludes Wim Fissette.
For the first time since February 2016, Belgium will return to the Europe/Africa zone.
Wim Fissette prefaces the China – Belgium match in the Billie Jean King Cup play-offs: “At home, the Chinese will have a lot of pressure”
