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Alison Van Uytvanck (WTA 72) resumed at the United Cup in Perth after she had to rest again at the beginning of December. She has been struggling with her back since Wimbledon. Van Uytvanck beat Shinikova 6-1, 3-6 and 6-3.
“My back didn’t bother me, that’s the biggest victory’, said Van Uytvanck. “I had a double hernia and now I have to find the right balance. Exercise, but not too much. I think we’ve found that balance now. With a little less to play tennis. It is something that I will have to keep in mind throughout my career. Australia is now my big test to see how many tournaments I can play in a row. If I can play tennis loose, the results will follow. I would like to get back into the top fifty.”
Big win needed against Greece
Besides Van Uytvanck, Elise Mertens also won her match (6-4, 3-6, 6-0 against Topalova). However, the men Zizou Bergs (2-6, 0-6 against Kuzmanov) and David Goffin (4-6, 5-7 against Dimitrov) lost. In the decisive mixed double, Goffin and Mertens gave away a lead against Shinikova and Lazarov (6-1, 6-7 and 6-10 in the super tie break) so that Belgium lost 2-3. Today and tomorrow, Belgium will play against Greece, which previously defeated Bulgaria. To take a group win, the Belgians need a big win. (gdv)
