The Belgian Davis Cup team have a unique opportunity after shocking Australia in the second qualifying round.
Led by world number 91 Raphael Collignon, the Belgians defeated an Australian team boasting world number eight Alex de Minaur.
They have now qualified for the Davis Cup Finals, which will take place in Bologna, Italy, from November 18 to 23.
By doing so, the Belgians have the opportunity to wipe clean a slate that has plagued their Davis Cup aspirations for decades.
Belgium have made the most Davis Cup Final appearances without winning the title
Belgium’s long history in the Davis Cup has so far been limited in its success.
The country shares an unfortunate record with India and Romania: the nations have made three Davis Cup Finals without winning the tournament.
Belgium’s first final appearance came over 120 years ago in the 1904 Davis Cup final, which was the country’s first appearance in the tournament. In the final, the Belgians were defeated by the British Isles 5-0 at Wimbledon.
The citizens of Belgium had to wait over a century for their next appearance in a Davis Cup final, which occurred in 2015. Unfortunately for Belgian tennis fans, their team lost in the final to a British team led by Andy Murray.
Just two years later, Belgium reached the final again, before losing to France. Lucas Pouille secured the title with victory over Steve Darcis.
How will Belgium fare in the Davis Cup Finals?
Belgium will certainly be underdogs when the Davis Cup Finals start in August.
Unlike other nations already qualified for the finals, such as Italy and Czechia, the Belgians lack a superstar in their ranks.
In fact, Belgium’s highest ranking singles player is world number 46 Zizou Bergs.
However, if Bergs can play his best tennis, and Raphael Collignon can reproduce the scintillating form he showcased against Australia, the Belgian team will have no fear heading into November’s final stage.
