Italy won their first-ever Fed Cup title Sunday, upsetting Belgium 3-2 when Justine Henin-Hardenne retired with a knee injury trailing 3-6, 6-2, 2-0 in the deciding doubles match.
Italy's
Francesca Schiavone and
Roberta Vinci received the victory over Henin-Hardenne and
Kirsten Flipkens after Henin-Hardenne had won both her singles matches with injury over the weekend.
"I have no option but to (try and) play," Henin-Hardenne said.
Henin also retired during the Australian Open final in January with a stomach ailment.
Kim Clijsters was unable to play for Belgium with a wrist injury.
