Chile’s Garin refuses to play on after changeover collision and loses Davis Cup match to Belgium

HASSELT, Belgium — Belgium advanced to the second round of Davis Cup qualifying in bizarre circumstances Sunday after Chile tennis player Cristian Garin was accidentally knocked over by his opponent and refused to continue their match. In a statement later Sunday, the International Tennis Federation described it as “an accidental collision at the change of ends” and said “the independent doctor ruled Garin was fit to continue.” But the Chilean refused to continue, with his team calling for Bergs to be disqualified. “This was a rare, unfortunate and very delicate situation and everyone involved, including the independent doctor, conducted due diligence based on rules and procedures,” the ITF said. “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 on X that 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.” ___ AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis