The Davis Cup qualifier between Chile and Belgium was marred by a controversial incident when Cristian Garin refused to continue playing after being knocked to the ground by Zizou Bergs. The tension escalated during the third set of Bergs’ singles match against Garin, when Bergs broke for a 6-5 lead. As he celebrated, he sprinted towards his bench, not noticing Garin approaching from the net post. The two collided, and Bergs struck Garin in the face, causing him to fall.
After being assessed by an independent doctor and cleared to continue, Garin chose not to resume the match. As a result, he received three consecutive time violation penalties: a warning, a point penalty, and a game penalty, giving Belgium a 3-1 win. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) stated that all parties, including the doctor, followed the appropriate rules and procedures.
Garin later posted on Instagram, expressing disbelief over the decision and criticizing the ITF for not ending the tie. He described his dizziness and discomfort after the collision and his frustration with being forced to continue. Chile’s captain, Nicolás Massú, and the Chilean Olympic committee both expressed outrage at the incident, with the committee calling it a “shameful international incident” and pledging support for the Chilean Tennis Federation.
Bergs was given a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, but umpire Carlos Ramos labeled the collision as an “unfortunate accident.” Bergs apologized, explaining that he did not intend to hit Garin, and that the collision was a result of his excitement. Despite the apologies, the outcome of the match stood, and Belgium advanced to face Australia in the second qualifying round.