Japan confirms a spot in the Federation Cup World Group by expelling Belgium – Tennis News
Absence of former world number one, Kim Clijsters, and reigning Belgian number one, Yanina Wickmayer, hurt Belgium in their Federation Cup tie against the Japan. They lost the World Group playoffs 1-4 and help Japan to steer their
way into the World Group for the next edition of the tournament.
Ayumi Morita opened the proceedings at Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan with a win over 260th ranked competitor, Alison Van Uytvanck, in straight sets. One of the most stunning performers of Japan this year, Kimiko Date-Krumm
also secured an easy triumph against the 202nd ranked Belgian, Tamaryn Hendler, to end the first day of the tie on the high-note.
Morita played her second rubbers match against Hendler and defeated her 7-5, 6-2 to confirm Japan’s spot in the World Group for the next year. The only triumph for the Belgian team was bagged by Van Uytvan who defeated the 140th
ranked Japanese, Kurumi Nara, in the fourth rubbers battle.
In the doubles category, Date-Krumm and Rika Fujiwara defeated the team of Ysaline Bonaventure and Van Uytvanck to please the home crowd with a resounding victory over the visitors.
After the tie, Morita stated, "I'm very relieved that I won. This is one of the best victories in my career.” Talking about her decision to challenge the call of the umpire at the most crucial stage of the match against Hendler
that could have enforced the tie-breaker round into play, Morita stated, "I was very confident that the ball was out. All of my teammates thought that it was in. They all said it was a risky challenge."
Morita also appreciated the superior game play of her opponent Hendler and stated, “She is a big fighter and didn't give up.” It is good to see players praising other for the good matchup to life the morale of the losing team.
It is good for tennis in general and players in particular that also portrays the level of sportsmanship in the world of tennis.
The member of the losing team, Hendler stated, “They are both very aggressive players. This is a fast court, which I am not used to. They put so much pressure on you that it is hard to even call it an 'unforced error’. It was more
like a forced mistake."
Japan will be in the main draw of the Federation Cup, next year. However, the Belgian side will have to contest in the playoffs to try and reach the World Group for 2014’s edition of the tournament.
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