Belgium has secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 United Cup, marking a significant achievement for the nation’s tennis scene. After a thrilling quarterfinal match, Belgium defeated Czechia with a final score of 2-1, showcasing the team’s growing prowess on the international stage. The semifinals will see Belgium face Switzerland on January 10, 2026.
In the quarterfinals, Belgian ATP star Zizou Bergs contributed to his team’s success by defeating Jakub Mensik in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6. Following this, Elise Mertens secured the victory for Belgium by overcoming Barbora Krejcikova in a hard-fought three-set match. This win not only advances Belgium to the semifinals but also highlights the country’s rising status in tennis.
During the post-match press conference, Bergs expressed his excitement about Belgium’s performance. “Where should I start?” he remarked. “Yeah, unbelievable day. I just realized later on that we are top four, which is pretty crazy.” He went on to emphasize the significance of this achievement for a nation that has historically been considered smaller in the tennis world. “Belgium is becoming a big country slowly. We’re small, but starting to perform big,” he stated.
Bergs highlighted the importance of the team’s consistent performances, referring to their success in both the Davis Cup and the current United Cup format. He noted, “I think, again, great chances going into the semifinals. Every day we come up with a great day, like Stunty Tuesday, Thirsty Thursday. So the name for Saturday is going to be Sassy Saturday.” His enthusiasm reflects the team’s confidence as they prepare to take on Switzerland.
Belgium’s history in international tennis includes a past triumph in the Billie Jean King Cup in 2001, where they defeated top teams, including Spain and Russia, led by tennis legends Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin. However, despite strong showings, Belgium has not captured a Davis Cup title, suffering narrow defeats in the finals against Great Britain in 2015 and France in 2017.
As Belgium approaches the semifinals, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding their chances. The match against Switzerland promises to be a competitive encounter, with both teams eager to secure a place in the finals. With the momentum on their side, Belgium aims to continue its journey in the United Cup and potentially add another chapter to its tennis legacy.
