How did Belgium become a Davis Cup contender?

In 1997, Filip Dewulf became the first Belgian to reach a Grand Slam semifinal when he advanced to that stage at the French Open.

A year later, Oliver Rochus of Belgium teamed up with Roger Federer to win the Wimbledon boys’ doubles title. Rochus, recently retired, had a solid career—as did his brother Christophe—and would go on to win the men’s doubles title at the French Open with countryman Xavier Malisse in 2004. In his career, Malisse became the first man from Belgium to reach the top 20 in singles.

So in other words, while overshadowed by their compatriots, Hall of Famers Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, the men have had a solid run in tennis the past 20 years. And most recently, they’ve made their mark in the premier international team competition, Davis Cup, where this weekend the Belgian squad will be playing for the title for the second time in three years.

How is this happening in a global landscape where countries like Spain and France—this weekend’s opponent—can call on multiple Top-15-caliber players for any tie that can succeed on any surface?

Fortunately for Belgium, its most successful male player rankings-wise has been ready to answer the call to play.

David Goffin has risen rapidly up the ranks the past few years, and after reaching the championship at the ATP Finals last week, now sits at a career-high No. 7 in the world. In 2015 and this year, Goffin has only lost one rubber in Davis Cup, in the final against Andy Murray in ’15.

One man can’t do it alone, and that’s where Goffin’s teammate, Steve Darcis, comes in.

The “Shark,” as he’s colloquially known, is a two-time ATP titlist and has had a solid career. He’s stepped up in Davis Cup winning the semifinal live fifth rubber in ’15 and this year to send the title into the final.

Captain Johan Van Herck, a former top-100 player and Davis Cupper, has also worked Ruben Bemelmans, Kimmer Coppejans, Arthur De Greef and Joris De Loore into the mix.

Davis Cup as an event also tends to bring out the most rabid support for the home team, and its final runs, Belgium has played six of eight ties in friendly confines.

It’s all added up to an unexpected run for a country that before 2015, last reached a Davis Cup final in 1904.

Can they break through this weekend with a title? Whatever the outcome, they’ve shown that they’ll keep being contenders for years to come.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias