Belgium's Zizou Bergs knocks over Chilean Cristian Garin during Davis Cup tie

Belgium will be Australia's next opponent in the Davis Cup, but their progression to the second round of qualifiers was quite bizarre. In their home tie in Hasselt, Belgium, Zizou Bergs accidentally collided with and injured Chilean player Cristian Garin, leading to an unfortunate end to the match.

At the time, Bergs had just secured a crucial break in the deciding set of the singles match, leading 6-5. He excitedly ran towards the Belgian team's bench, but collided with Garin during the changeover. His shoulder struck Garin, and in the narrow space between the net and the umpire's chair as they both passed through, he hit the Chilean player in the eye.

Bergs appeared shocked and immediately apologized. However, a dazed Garin, with a swollen eye, required medical attention and refused to continue playing. The Chilean team demanded Bergs be defaulted. Although Bergs was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct, Garin was penalized three consecutive time violations for failing to restart the match. This resulted in Garin being defaulted a game, and Chile losing the tie 3-1, thus giving Belgium the victory.

The Chilean team was furious with the outcome, shouting at their opponents' bench, creating a tense atmosphere. Belgium will travel to Australia in September, where the Lleyton Hewitt-led Australian team—who defeated Sweden 3-1 over the weekend—will play their first home tie in three years.