Belgium will field an impressive squad to face Estonia in the Fed Cup playoffs later this month. Captain Sabine Appelmans nominated Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin, Yanina Wickmayer and Kirsten Flipkens to play the home tie, on clay, in Hasselt.
There has been some controversy regarding the singles competitors, as Wickmayer’s coach and father, Mark, was angered when he heard last month that Henin had decided to play.
“Why does Justine want to play?,” Mark Wickmayer asked the Belgian press. “Because the tie takes place in Belgium and to increase her popularity in Flanders? If it is still there next year, will she go to Russia or the Czech Republic?”
Wickmayer and Flipkens have been the foundation of the team for the past two years, when Clijsters and Henin were retired. And while Clijsters is undoubtedly a more decorated player, Wickmayer, ranked No. 13 in the world, is thought to be as capable on clay as Clijsters is. There has been speculation that Applemans will play all three in singles rubbers, in order to keep everyone happy.
Estonia has named Kaia Kanepi, Maret Ani, Anett Schutting and Margit Ruutel to its team.—M.C.