Tennis, United Cup: China beats Belgium from behind 2–1

Milan, Jan. 3 (LaPresse) – In Sydney China made a winning debut in Group B, coming from behind and overturning expectations by beating Belgium 2–1. The European team started strongly, opening the tie with a clear 6–2, 6–2 win for Elise Mertens (WTA No. 20) over Zhu Lin (WTA No. 31): just 78 one‑sided minutes in a match that was all downhill for Mertens, who broke serve six times, took 5 of the first 6 games, and then delivered the coup de grâce with another 4 consecutive games from 1–1 in the second set. Zhang Zhizhen (ATP No. 410) then brought the tie level, winning a 2‑hour‑53‑minute marathon 6–7, 7–6, 7–5 against Zizou Bergs (ATP No. 42). In the deciding doubles, Zhang and Zhu came from behind to beat Bergs and Mertens 5–7, 7–6, 10–6. The super tie-break in the third set decided the match, with the Chinese pair always in front, first 5–1 then 9–3 and finally, after missing four consecutive match points, sealing victory 10 points to 6.