Alcaraz Faces Bergs in Shanghai After 2025 Davis Cup Clash

Carlos Alcaraz meets Belgian Zizou Bergs in the Shanghai Masters round of 32 on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Shanghai, China, with their matchup drawing attention to a controversial incident involving Bergs and Chilean player Cristian Garin during the Davis Cup Qualifiers in February 2025.

Alcaraz, the world No. 3, entered the match after winning the Japan Open Tennis Championships earlier in October and defeating Juan Manuel Cerundolo in straight sets in his opening Shanghai match on Saturday. Bergs, ranked 39th, arrived in China after claiming his first ATP title in Eastbourne before Wimbledon earlier this year, according to AOL's report.

A separate statistical analysis published by Stats Insider estimated that Alcaraz had an 89% chance of winning after running 10,000 computer simulations of the matchup. The match was scheduled for approximately 9 p.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Time on Monday.

Bergs previously attracted international criticism during Belgium's Davis Cup Qualifiers tie against Chile in February 2025. During the deciding stages of the third set, he struck Garin in the face with his shoulder while running and jumping toward his team's bench after breaking the Chilean's serve to lead 6-5.

Garin fell to the ground and received medical attention on court. Chilean team doctor Alejandro Orizola later described the injuries and symptoms identified during an examination in the locker room.

"Cristian Garin suffered a strong blow to the eyeball, which caused him to fall and hit his head. This led to swelling, vision difficulties, nausea, and a severe headache, though he never lost consciousness. Cristian Garin was in no condition to continue playing," said Alejandro Orizola, the Chilean team doctor.

Bergs apologized immediately after the collision, suggesting it had been accidental. However, Garin protested to the chair umpire, arguing that the incident had disrupted his concentration after approximately two hours of play. Officials issued Bergs a code violation warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Garin and the Chilean team demanded Bergs' disqualification, while Garin refused to resume the match. Chile captain Nicolas Massu backed his player's decision. Nicolas Jarry, who was scheduled to play the fifth match if Garin won, also showed the incident's replay to members of the Chilean team using a spectator's phone.

Garin was subsequently assessed three consecutive time violations for refusing to continue, resulting in a game penalty. Bergs won 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, securing Belgium's 3-1 victory in the tie.

The International Tennis Federation addressed the disputed outcome in a statement following the incident.

"This was a rare, unfortunate and very delicate situation and everyone involved, including the independent doctor, conducted due diligence based on rules and procedures.

"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 also criticized the outcome and pledged support for the country's tennis federation in its response to the incident.

The committee said it was "upset and incredulous" and would support the Chilean tennis federation "so that this shameful international incident does not go unpunished".