Italy won the Fed Cup final, defeating Belgium, after Justine Henin-Hardenne had to retire with a knee injury in the deciding doubles on Sunday. The Belgians, who hosted the final in Charleroi, had a chance to win the final in the fourth match when Kirsten Flipkens was on her way to win her match for 3-1, but Italian Mara Santangelo came back and tied the meet 2 all.
Justine Henin-Hardenne, the 24-year-old from Walloon part of Belgium, was having troubles with her knee after a tough season and played all four grand slam finals. She won both single matches as planned, and the Belgian team was hoping Flipkens could win one of her matches to win the title for a second time.
Flavia Pennetta lost her match against Henin-Hardenne and was replaced on Sunday by Mara Santangelo to play against Flipkens. On Saturday Flipkens lost to Francesca Schiavone.
The deciding 5th match turned out to be too much for the Belgian team, Henin and Flipkens. The Italians had brought in a fresh player, Roberta Vinci, along with Francesca Schiavone, who had health problems herself earlier in her match against Henin-Hardenne.
The teams again showed they were both close to winning the final, but in the deciding third set, Henin-Hardenne had to retire with a knee injury after the Italians took a 2-0 lead.
It was the first time Italy played the Fed Cup final. Before beating Belgium, they defeated Spain and France on their way to the final.
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