Belgium clinch controversial Davis Cup win over Chile as France and Spain advance

Belgium secured a dramatic and bizarre victory over Chile in the Davis Cup on Sunday, joining France and Spain in progressing to the second qualifying round.

With the tie level after Saturday’s singles matches, Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen edged Belgium ahead with a doubles victory over Tomas Barrios Vera and Nicolas Jarry. That left Chile relying on Cristian Garin to keep their hopes alive against Zizou Bergs, but the match ended in highly unusual circumstances.

After splitting the first two sets, the final set was deadlocked at 5-5 when Bergs broke serve. As he celebrated while switching ends, he accidentally collided with Garin, knocking him to the ground. Although Garin received medical attention and was deemed fit to continue, he did not return to the court, leading to three consecutive time violations and a game penalty. That sealed Bergs’ 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory, handing Belgium an unassailable 3-1 lead.

"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 International Tennis Federation (ITF) stated. "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."

Belgium will now face Australia in the second round.

Meanwhile, France advanced with a 3-0 triumph over Brazil. Holding a 2-0 lead after Saturday’s singles matches, Benjamin Bonzi and Pierre-Hugues Herbert sealed the tie in doubles, rallying from a set down to defeat Rafael Matos and Marcelo Melo 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. The 10-time Davis Cup champions will now meet Croatia, who defeated them in the 2018 final.

Spain also made light work of Switzerland, wrapping up a 3-0 victory. Childhood friends Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar teamed up to defeat Marc-Andrea Huesler and Dominic Stricker 6-4, 7-5 in the doubles, completing the sweep.

"We grew up together since we were living in Barcelona 12 years ago," Martinez said. "To share this moment with him is something very special."

Spain will now take on Denmark in the next round.

Elsewhere, 2022 champions Canada staged a thrilling comeback against Hungary after trailing 2-0. A doubles victory followed by Gabriel Diallo’s 6-1, 6-3 win over Fabian Marozsan forced a decisive fifth match. However, Marton Fucsovics held his nerve to defeat Alexis Galarneau 7-6(8), 6-4, sealing Hungary’s place in the second round against Austria.

The opening round of the Davis Cup featured 26 teams battling for spots in September’s second round of qualifiers. Last year’s runners-up, the Netherlands, will join the competition in the next stage, where seven ties will determine the nations advancing to November’s Final 8 in Italy.

SportsLigue