Belgian minnows stun Australia for 2-0 Davis lead

Belgium grabbed a 2-0 Davis Cup World group qualifying tie lead from Australia on Saturday in Sydney, with Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson both caught out by unfaniced opponents.

Raphael Collignon and Zizou Bergs did serious damage to Aussie home hopes of reaching the elite stage of the worldwide team competition.

No. 91 unknown Collignon upset eighth-ranked de Minaur 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, overcoming cramping to notch the first top 10 win of his career as the Europeans bid for a spot in November’s eight-nation finals.“When you play for your country there is no pain,” said Collignon, a surprise winner at the US Open over Casper Ruud. “This is unbelievable for a small country like ours.”

World No. 46 Bergs defeated Thompson 7-6(4), 6-4 as the three-time Davis  finalists made the perfect start. a doubles rubber win from the Europeans could seal the Australian fate.

“It feels great for the team,” said Bergs after his win against Thompson. “We did a great job today but we’re far from the end.”

In other results, Denmark lead Spain – minus Carlos Alcaraz – 2-0 after losses from Pablo Carreno Busta and Jaume Munar. The Danes are hoping to reach the last eight for the first time in 37 years.  

German booked the finals with a deciding doubles win over Japan in Tokyo spurred by opening-day singles wins from Jan-Lennard Struff and Yannick Hanfmann.

The Germans are through to the showdown in Bologna from November 18-23.

Main photo:- Zizou Bergs and Raphael Collignon celebrate as Belgium take 2-0 lead over Australia by ITF