BOLOGNA: Belgium booked their place in the Davis Cup semi-finals with an impressive 2-0 win over France as the Final Eight opened in Bologna on Tuesday. The tie began with a dramatic turnaround from Raphael Collignon, who recovered from a poor first set to defeat Corentin Moutet. After losing the opener 6-2, Collignon capitalized on Moutet’s costly errors — including multiple double faults at key stages — to claim the next two sets, sealing victory when Moutet faltered again at 5-6 in the decider.
World number 43 Zizou Bergs then stepped up to secure Belgium’s place in the last four. Bergs beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-3, 7-6(4), showing poise despite a late stumble when serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set. Rinderknech earned a set point but failed to convert, allowing Bergs to regroup and dominate the tiebreak with a thumping forehand winner that sent him racing toward his teammates in celebration.
Belgium now await the outcome of Wednesday’s clash between Italy and Austria, with holders and hosts Italy standing between them and a place in the Davis Cup final later this week.
