David Gofffin had allowed Belgium to return to two wins everywhere in this play-off against Finland, The Belgian number one, 68th in the world, won 6-4, 6-2 in 1h37 against Finnish number one Emil Ruusuvuori ( ATP 71) in Game 4.
Finland took the lead (2-1) after Emil Ruusuvuori and Harri Heliovaara beat Sander Gillé and David Goffin 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5) in the doubles earlier in the day .
David Goffin replaced Joran Vliegen the usual partner of Sander Gillé. The doubles specialist, who tested positive for coronavirus on Friday, had to forfeit.
The score was 1-1 after matchday one on Friday with David Goffin’s 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 win over Otto Virtanen and Zizou Bergs’ 6-3, 7-5 loss to Emil Ruusuvuori on Friday .
Belgium thus qualifies for the group stage from September 14 to 18 in four cities and which will bring together 16 teams, including four invitees. Croatia, finalists for the 2021 edition, Great Britain and Serbia, invited, have already qualified. Defending champions Russia were suspended “until further notice” by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Tuesday due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The final phase will take place from November 23 to 27, with eight teams.
Belgium had regained the world group thanks to their 2-3 victory against Bolivia on September 20 in Asuncion (Paraguay).
# Belga context