A former tennis star has claimed that Novak Djokovic would have been “disqualified for life” over an incident that launched a Davis Cup match into chaos on Sunday. Chile lost their qualifying match against Belgium after Cristian Garin was knocked over by opponent Zizou Bergs and refused to continue playing.

A jubilant Bergs was celebrating breaking Garin’s serve to take the deciding set to 6-5 when he clumsily wiped out his opponent. His right shoulder made contact with the Chilean’s face, sending him crashing to the floor.

Bergs was immediately apologetic but Garin required medical treatment. A medic gave the 28-year-old the all-clear – a stance disputed by Chile’s team doctor – but he did not return to court.

Chile were handed three consecutive time violations and it resulted in a game penalty, with Bergs controversially winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.

Former world No. 16 Nikoloz Basilashvili wrote on social media: “If Novak had done this, he would have been disqualified for life. WTF.”

Djokovic was disqualified from the 2020 US Open after accidentally striking a line judge with a ball that was not in play.

Reacting to the incident between Bergs and Garin, the International Tennis Federation said: “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 team doctor Alejandro Orizola insisted that Garin had not been fit to continue, disputing the verdict of the neutral medic.

He said: “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.”

Garin is reported to have told the umpire: “If you are not going to default him, default me! You don’t have the guts to do it to me!”

The Chile Tennis Federation added: “After being hit by the Belgian player, Cristian did not receive due attention from the neutral doctor appointed by the organisation.

“Despite this situation, the general referee, Mr. Carlos Ramos, from Portugal, validated the continuity of the match and urged our player to return to the match. However, as he was unable to do so due to dizziness and inflammation in his eye, he was disqualified.

“Due to this injustice, we announce that we will initiate all relevant actions before the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to seek justice and defend the interests of our athletes and Chilean tennis.”