Tennis star FORFEITS Davis Cup tie for refusing to play after being left with inflamed eye by opponent
TENNIS star Cristian Garin refused to play and demanded a disqualification after his opponent charged into him.
The shocking incident occurred during the deciding set of a crucial Davis Cup tie between Chile and Belgium.
Garin's opponent Zizou Bergs had just broken serve to go 6-5 up when he jumped and sprinted over to his team in celebration.
But he could not slow down in time as the Chilean also came around the net to change ends.
Bergs ended up smashing into Garin and his shoulder bashed his eye.
The 2022 Wimbledon quarter-finalist dropped the floor and Belgium's noisy fans suddenly fell silent.
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Chile demanded that Bergs was disqualified from the match and they furiously argued with the umpire.
But the officials decided not to default him and they were therefore forced to slap Garin with a game penalty for refusing to play.
It meant a win for Belgium in the match and the overall tie 3-1.
Garin later took to social media to show off his inflamed eye and Chile's doctor claimed the star was not fit to play due to dizziness and difficulties seeing.
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The independent doctor claimed he was fine to play, which is why they handed him a punishment.
Former world No17 Garin claimed in his press conference: "They wanted to finish that match at any cost.”
Chile captain Nicolas Massu raged: “One hour-and-a-half later we still didn’t receive any apology from anyone. Not a single person asked if Cristian is okay."
Garin continued his fury on Instagram, writing: "I still can't believe they got us DISQUALIFIED.
"That the general referee forced me to play with dizziness and unable to see well after 2h40 min playing at high intensity.
"Years loving this sport watching millions of matches and I never saw, nor thought about living something like this.
"So sad after all the week's effort and all the team work.
"Thanks to ITF for ZERO CONCERN FOR MY HEALTH. Thanks to all Chile. Hard moment but we keep going."
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Tennis legend Martina Navratilova shared her thoughts, saying: "I am sorry - that should be a default. Out of control. Mind you the screaming is not great either."
Fans joked: "Tennis has become the UFC."