Chile blocks Davis Cup draw! ITF suspends event after Garin-Bergs controversy

The Chilean Tennis Federation has successfully suspended the Davis Cup draw scheduled for February 20, following protests over the controversial incident involving Cristian Garin and Zizou Bergs in the qualifier series between Chile and Belgium.

A few weeks ago, the clash between Bergs and Garin made headlines worldwide due to an unprecedented moment. After securing a break to go up 6-5 in the third set, Bergs rushed to switch sides and collided with former world No. 17 Garin, causing the Chilean to fall. Garin later refused to return to the court, citing dizziness, headaches, and an eye injury.

Garin’s refusal to continue resulted in three time violations, ultimately awarding the match to Bergs and securing Belgium’s 3-1 victory, eliminating Chile from the tournament.

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Despite Chile’s protests, they were officially eliminated from the tournament. However, they are pursuing all formal avenues to seek some form of compensation or a resolution from the ITF due to "irregularities that occurred during the series," as stated in an official communiqué from the Chilean Tennis Federation.

The entity requested a temporary restraining order to prevent the Davis Cup draw scheduled for February 20 from taking place until the complaint is resolved. "The federation believes that allowing the draw to proceed without addressing this serious issue would cause irreparable harm to both Fetech (Chilean Tennis Federation) and the affected player," the statement read.

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"Key points in the request include regulatory violations by the match umpire and the ITF-appointed neutral doctor, failures in the application of medical protocols after a head and eye impact suffered by Cristian Garin, as well as unsportsmanlike conduct and physical aggression by Belgian player Zizou Bergs."

The 30-page document was quickly accepted, and Chile’s request was granted, postponing the draw for a couple of weeks. "The Group I Davis Cup 2025 draw has been rescheduled for the week of March 3, with the exact date to be confirmed in due course."

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Chile’s Demands

1. To declare that the ITF and its appointed officials failed to enforce the ITF Code of Conduct and Welfare Policy, resulting in an unfair and unreasonable decision against Mr. Garin.

2. Annul the playing sanction imposed on Mr. Garin, as it was based on a fundamentally flawed and irrational decision.

3. Retroactively disqualify Mr. Zizou Bergs from the match and impose appropriate sanctions, including: a fine under the Davis Cup Rules, a suspension or a period of ineligibility for future Davis Cup competitions.

4. Order an independent review of ITF medical and umpiring procedures, requiring: implementation of standardized medical evaluation protocols for head and eye injuries, prohibition of umpires from influencing medical determinations, public disclosure of the identity, credentials and medical report of the neutral physician.

5. Reconsider Chile's position in the Davis Cup competition, providing for a replay of the deciding match under fair and equitable conditions, or a compensatory wild card for the Davis Cup final.

6. Financial compensation for damages suffered by Fetech and Christian Garin: compensation for financial losses incurred due to the wrongful removal of Chile, including expenses related to the team's participation, preparation and legal costs, monetary damages for the damage caused to Christian Garin's reputation and professional prestige, and reimbursement of all legal fees and costs associated with these proceedings.

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