Chile's hopes of advancing in the Davis Cup were dealt a significant blow after their star player, Cristian Garin, refused to continue playing against Belgium following a dramatic on-court collision.
The incident occurred during the highly anticipated match between Garin and Belgium's Zizou Bergs, with the latter accidentally knocking over Garin during a heated rally.
Despite efforts from the Chilean team and tournament officials to persuade Garin to continue, the visibly shaken player refused to carry on, citing concerns over his safety and well-being.
The decision sparked a heated debate among tennis fans and pundits, with some criticizing Garin for abandoning the match, while others expressed sympathy and understanding for his decision.
The Davis Cup qualifier, which was expected to be a closely contested affair, ultimately ended in a defeat for Chile, with Belgium emerging victorious.
The incident has raised questions about player safety and the protocols in place to protect athletes from injury during high-intensity competitions like the Davis Cup.
As the tennis community continues to discuss and debate the merits of Garin's decision, one thing is clear: the incident has left a lasting impact on the sport and will surely be remembered for a long time to come.