One of the biggest controversies in world tennis at the start of 2025 erupted during the Davis Cup tie between Chile and Belgium, held on February 1-2 in Hasselt. The incident occurred when Chilean player Cristian Garin was struck by Belgian Zizou Bergs, affecting his performance and ultimately leading to his suspension from the tournament. This sparked outrage within the Chilean Tennis Federation (FETECH), which reported irregularities in the handling of the match to the International Tennis Federation (ITF). As a result, the ITF decided to suspend the World Group I draw, originally scheduled for February 20.
FETECH filed a formal complaint citing regulatory violations, failures in medical protocols following Garin’s injury, and unsportsmanlike conduct by Bergs. Additionally, they requested the annulment of the sanctions imposed on the Chilean player, as well as financial and disciplinary penalties for the Belgian. In response, the ITF announced that the draw would be rescheduled for the week of March 3 while the case is reviewed.
Zizou Bergs collides with Cristian Garin, while celebrating a massive break of serve. 🫣
After Garin received medical treatment, the Chilean refused to return to court, resulting in multiple time violation warnings.
Chile then received a game penalty, which won the deciding set… pic.twitter.com/dpXHhs8pvq— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 2, 2025
THE CONTROVERSY THAT SHOOK THE DAVIS CUP
The Chile-Belgium tie in Hasselt ended in a 3-1 victory for Belgium, but not without controversy. The physical impact suffered by Garin and subsequent officiating decisions were heavily criticized by FETECH, which accused match officials and the neutral ITF-appointed doctor of failing to follow proper protocols. According to the Chilean federation’s statement, these irregularities compromised both the player’s integrity and the sporting outcome.
The suspension of the draw sets an important precedent in recent Davis Cup history. FETECH is not only seeking justice for Garin but also a comprehensive review of the case, which could potentially alter the series’ outcome. Meanwhile, the tennis world awaits the ITF’s final ruling on this controversial episode.
