Davis Cup collision: Chile beat Belgium as Cristian Garin refuses to play after Zizou Bergs incident
2025-02-03
Category: sports

Chile lost their Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium when Cristian Garin refused to continue playing after being knocked over by opponent Zizou Bergs.At a changeover during their singles match in Hasselt, a celebrating and leaping Bergs struck him in the face with his right shoulder.Bergs apologised immediately and Garin was cleared to play after receiving medical attention.Bergs was given a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct but Chile called for him to be disqualified.Garin was given three successive time violations for refusing to play, resulting in a game penalty to hand Berg a 6-3 4-6 7-5 victory and ensure Chile won the tie 3-1.
An International Tennis Federation statement, external read: "This was a rare, unfortunate and very delicate situation and everyone involved, including the independent doctor, conducted due diligence based on rules and procedures."We understand the emotions attached to this unusual incident, but the final decision was made after consideration of all the facts and unique circumstances around it."Chile's Olympic committee said it was "upset and incredulous" with the situation, and that it would support the Chilean tennis federation "so that this shameful international incident does not go unpunished".