Belgian ladies whip Italy 4-0 in Fed Cup
In tennis, Belgium managed to stay in the World Group of the Fed Cup, the unofficial world championship for countries. Belgium, led by Elise Mertens, took it 4-0 against Italy.
Laurie Dieffembacq
In Genoa, Elise Mertens won the opening match on Saturday, beating Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 7-5. Alison Van Uytvanck next made it 2-0 for Belgium against Sara Errani: 6-4, 6-7, 6-2.
On Sunday, Mertens steamrolled through to take it 6-3, 6-1 against Errani. She also teamed up with Kirsten Flipkens in the doubles match to steer Belgium to a 4-0 victory.
In-form Mertens is the rising star in Belgian tennis. She recently won the claycourt event in Lugano, moving to 17th place on the WTA world rankings.
Laurie Dieffembacq
