Belgium's Zizou Bergs is on a roll, and his dream start to the season is only getting better. After a stunning victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the group stage, Bergs continued his winning streak by defeating Jakub Mensik 6-2, 7-6(4) on Thursday evening. This victory secured a 1-0 lead for Belgium against Czechia in the United Cup quarter-finals.
Bergs entered the tournament with a challenging record of 2-16 against Top-20 opponents, but his recent performance has been remarkable. He has now won two matches in a row, showcasing his resilience and determination. Despite having two opportunities to serve out the match, Bergs struggled in the final stages, eventually crossing the finish line in one hour and 40 minutes.
The Belgian player admitted to feeling nervous during the crucial moments, stating, 'I didn’t even know I was 5-4 up and then I got broken and I was 5-5. And then I break back and you just want to finish, you’re so close, you’re playing big points. I got tight, I go backwards, I play defensive. so it was a very big struggle in the end.'
As the pressure intensified, Bergs' playing style shifted towards a more conservative approach. He began to pull off shots that he had previously struck with authority, allowing Mensik to take control of the match. Mensik's first service break came from a ball that hit the net and barely bounced over, and he secured another break at 5-6 with a powerful backhand up the line.
Despite the setback, Bergs' performance has been a highlight of the tournament. His ability to bounce back and secure a victory for Belgium is a testament to his skill and determination. Now, Elise Mertens will step up to face Barbora Krejcikova, aiming to secure Belgium's place in the United Cup semi-finals.
