The Davis Cup Qualifiers tie between Belgium and Chile in Hasselt concluded with controversy! Zizou Bergs claimed two singles wins for the host nation, including the deciding against Cristian Garin on Sunday.
The match drew many reactions and ended in chaos following an incident in the closing stages of the duel. Bergs grabbed a break in the 11th game of the decider and made a proper celebration of it. However, he ran and collided with Garin at the net.
The Belgian unintentionally hit the Chilean in the face with his shoulder and sent him to the ground. Garin received the medical timeout and was visibly frustrated with the outcome. Zizou apologized to Cristian instantly after having no intention of harming him.
Zizou Bergs makes a HUGE shot to break serve… but accidently collides with Cristian Garin in celebration 😮 pic.twitter.com/6H2RqRmx4m
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) February 2, 2025
Nicolas Jarry, Garin’s teammate, took a fan’s phone from the stands and showed the replay to his team on the bench. It raised fury and frustration among the Chileans, who shouted toward the Belgian bench, condemning Bergs’ unsportsmanlike conduct.
Cristian Garin© Stream screenshot
Meanwhile, the chair umpire, Carlos Ramos, systematically penalized the Chilean team for the time Cristian was taking to return to the court. Ramos issued a warning, a point penalty, and finally, a game penalty for Garin, allowing Bergs to claim the set 7-5 and push Belgium through.
Zizou celebrated with his teammates and fans while Cristian headed to the locker room, mighty disappointed. The Belgian received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the Chilean requested more!
Davis Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
Garin protested to Ramos and highlighted that it was unfair to continue playing under those circumstances, having taken a blow to the face. However, Zizou did not receive a default, and Belgium sealed the duel to advance.
The Belgians will travel to Australia in September, seeking a spot at the Davis Cup Finals.
Tennis World USA