Australia Stunned by Belgium, Joining USA on Davis Cup Scrapheap

SYDNEY, Sept 15, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – In a dramatic showdown at Ken Rosewall Arena, Belgium’s Raphael Collignon delivered a heart-stopping performance, defeating Aleksandar Vukic to secure Belgium’s spot in the Davis Cup finals and sending the 28-time champions, Australia, packing. With both teams vying for glory, the atmosphere was electric, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

A Promising Start for Belgium

The match began with Belgium asserting their dominance. On Saturday, they swiftly clinched a 2-0 lead by winning both initial singles matches. Collignon, ranked 91st in the world, surprised the Australian crowd by defeating the highly regarded Alex De Minaur, further fueling the underdog narrative. This unexpected lead set the stage for a nail-biting battle that would unfold over the weekend.

Australia’s Rally

Undaunted by their shaky start, the home team roared back with a fervor that electrified the arena. Rinky Hijikata and Jordan Thompson put up a fierce fight in the doubles match on Sunday, overcoming Belgian duo Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen in a tense 6-7 (7/9), 6-3, 6-4 victory. This win rekindled hope for the Australian team and their passionate supporters.

A Turning Point

Building on the momentum, Alex De Minaur rebounded from his previous defeat to freshen the atmosphere further. He took down Belgium’s top player, Zizou Bergs, with a convincing score of 6-2, 7-5. This resounding victory tied the tie at 2-2 and set the stage for a decisive final match.

The Deciding Clash

In the ultimate singles match, Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt entrusted Aleksandar Vukic with the leadership to face Raphael Collignon. The stage was set for an intense showdown, but Collignon proved too formidable. After losing a tight first set, he rallied to win the match 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-3, showcasing his mental fortitude and exceptional skill. “It’s a dream,” Collignon remarked post-match, highlighting the emotional strain of the competition and his pride in overcoming the challenge.

A Look at Other Teams

Belgium’s triumph was not the only surprise of the weekend. The United States, who have historically dominated the Davis Cup with 32 titles, faced an unexpected exit at the hands of the Czech Republic. The Czechs, under captain Tomas Berdych, showcased their tenacity, with Jakub Mensik sealing the victory against Frances Tiafoe in a high-stakes singles rubber.

Teams Advancing to the Finals

With Belgium joining the ranks of teams securing their places in the finals set for November in Bologna, they now stand alongside the likes of Germany, Argentina, Austria, France, and Spain. Defending champions Italy also advance, maintaining their title defense. Meanwhile, Denmark, who initially led against six-time champions Spain, were eventually edged out in a tightly contested match that left fans on the edge of their seats.

Germany’s Dominance

The German team had a clean sweep, dismantling Japan with a commanding 4-0 victory. Doubles pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz clinched the final point against Yosuke Watanuki and Takeru Yuzuki, further solidifying Germany’s position as a team to watch moving forward.

Argentina’s Steady Performance

Argentina also made headlines by besting the Netherlands 3-1, thanks to impressive performances from Andres Molteni and Horacio Zeballos in the doubles match. Their victory was a testament to Argentina’s grit and resilience in the tournament.

A Time for Reflection

In striking contrast, Hungary, despite showing promise, could not hold their ground against Austria, leading to a nail-biting finish with a final score of 3-2 in favor of Austria, thanks to Jurij Rodionov’s crucial win. Meanwhile, France’s entry into the finals was solidified by newcomer Corentin Moutet’s decisive victory over Marin Cilic.

The elimination of Australia and the USA from this year’s Davis Cup adds a fresh narrative to the tournament and paves the way for up-and-coming teams to shine. The excitement of the upcoming finals in Bologna is palpable, as the world awaits to see if these underdogs can continue their surprising run.