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Iva Jovic upset by world number 94 as USA fall behind Belgium in BJK Cup qualifier

Originally posted on HITC | By Matthew Johns | Last updated Apr 11, 2026 9:30 AM ET

The United States could be looking at an early exit from the Billie Jean King (BJK) Cup after a tough opening day in their tie against Belgium.

The U.S. have won 18 titles over the event’s 63-year history, more than any other nation, but haven’t lifted the trophy since 2017.

Now led by captain Lindsay Davenport, who won three BJK Cups as a player, the team is looking to get back on top under her leadership.

USA are without key players such as Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova for this tie, but still fielded a strong squad featuring Australian Open quarterfinalist Iva Jovic. However, things haven’t gone to plan so far.

USA face early BJK Cup exit after falling 2-0 behind to Belgium

Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP via Getty Images

Iva Jovic, one of the WTA Tour’s more promising young talents, made her BJK Cup debut for the USA on the indoor clay courts of Ostend, looking to make an early impact against Belgium.

The opening match saw Jovic go up against 21-year-old Hanne Vandewinkel, who has also been in good form recently.

Vandewinkel has mostly played on the ITF circuit this year and entered the tie just a few weeks after breaking into the top 100, having already picked up three titles in 2026.

Despite there being a gap of 78 places in the rankings, it was Vandewinkel who came out on top. The world number 94 defeated Jovic 7-6(3), 6-3 to give Belgium an early lead over the USA.

Looking to even things up, Davenport opted for McCartney Kessler over Hailey Baptiste to take on Belgium’s top player Elise Mertens. Kessler had won both their previous encounters and held her own again as they reached 3-3 in the final set.

Kessler had taken their last two meetings and was holding her own again as they reached three games each in the third set. But she suffered what looked like a back injury during a serve and had to call for medical help right away.

Even though she received treatment, Kessler couldn’t continue. That handed Belgium a second point and left Team USA with a big challenge heading into day two.

The USA face must-win scenario against Belgium in BJK Cup qualifier

The USA have it all to do after falling behind early against Belgium. Day two starts with a doubles match that could decide everything, as another win would seal qualification for Belgium.

Belgium are expected to pair Greet Minnen and Magali Kempen against Caty McNally and Nicole Melichar-Martinez. If Team USA can stay alive in that one, Iva Jovic is likely to face Elise Mertens for the first time next up.

If Jovic manages to force a decider, Hailey Baptiste is likely to step in for McCartney Kessler due to injury concerns and take on Hanne Vandewinkel.

The winner moves on to this year’s Finals in Shenzhen while the loser drops into a play-off tie. A defeat would mean Team USA miss out on an eighth consecutive quarter-final appearance since their last miss back in 2016.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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