A Shocking Upset and Controversial Scenes
Australia’s Davis Cup campaign has hit a rocky start after Alex de Minaur suffered a stunning upset loss to lowly-ranked Raphael Collignon in their second-round qualifier against Belgium on September 13, 2025, at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena. The world No. 8 fell 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in a grueling three-hour, 12-minute battle, leaving Australia trailing 1-0. But the real controversy erupted in the deciding set when Collignon, ranked 91st, collapsed in agony from severe cramping, denied a medical timeout under Davis Cup rules. Commentators and fans labeled the scenes “barbaric” and “ridiculous,” sparking urgent calls for rule changes to prevent such “cruel” moments in the sport.
De Minaur’s Defeat: A Marathon Battle
De Minaur, Australia’s talisman and fresh off a strong US Open quarterfinal run, entered the tie as a heavy favorite against the 23-year-old Belgian qualifier. The match was a test of endurance, with Collignon saving four set points in an epic 12th game of the first set before breaking de Minaur to take it 7-5 after 86 minutes. De Minaur leveled in the second set, breaking twice to win 6-3, but fatigue set in during the decider. Collignon, playing the biggest match of his career, held firm despite visible struggles, breaking de Minaur at 3-2 to seal a 6-3 victory and give Belgium a 1-0 lead.
Jordan Thompson added to Australia’s woes in the second singles, losing 7-6(7-4), 6-4 to Zizou Bergs, putting the Aussies 2-0 down. De Minaur brushed off the loss post-match, saying, “A brutal loss, a tough day at the office… one I’m going to have to forget quite quickly.” With doubles between Rinky Hijikata/John Peers and Sander Gille/Joran Vliegen on Sunday, followed by a potential de Minaur-Bergs decider, Australia faces a historic comeback—the third time they’d need to win three straight rubbers to advance to the Final 8 in Bologna, Italy.
The ‘Barbaric’ Cramping Incident
The match’s defining moment came in the opening game of the third set, when Collignon doubled over in excruciating pain from leg cramps. Writhing on the court, the Belgian approached the umpire’s chair to retire but had a change of heart, attempting to continue. However, Davis Cup rules prohibit medical timeouts for cramping, classifying it as a “voluntary” condition rather than an injury, leaving Collignon to suffer without a physio’s intervention. Tournament doctor and referee assisted briefly, but it was deemed insufficient.
Two-time Davis Cup-winning great Todd Woodbridge, commentating for Channel Nine, was incensed by the “ridiculous” and “so cruel” scenes. “This is ridiculous,” Woodbridge fumed. “This is so, so cruel. This is a health issue.” He added, “I’ve just sent a couple of messages trying to clarify what the ruling is here because I thought the understanding was that we got rid of the barbaric look of what we’ve just seen.” Woodbridge’s outrage echoed broader frustration with the rule, which some argue prioritizes competition over player welfare, especially in high-stakes, physically demanding team events like the Davis Cup.
Fans and analysts piled on, with social media erupting in calls for reform. One X user posted, “Barbaric rule forcing Collignon to play through cramps? Tennis needs to change this NOW #DavisCup” (@TennisFanatic22). Another wrote, “De Minaur’s match turned into a horror show. Cramping shouldn’t be treated like this—health first!” (@TheTennisLetter).
Calls for Rule Changes and Davis Cup Backlash
The incident has reignited debates about cramping protocols in tennis. The ITF’s Davis Cup rules, which mirror ATP/WTA guidelines, do not allow medical timeouts for cramping, viewing it as fatigue-related rather than acute injury. Critics, including Woodbridge, argue this is outdated and dangerous, especially under hot Sydney conditions (around 25°C with humidity). “We’ve got rid of the barbaric look,” Woodbridge insisted, referencing past efforts to modernize medical interventions.
Lleyton Hewitt, Australia’s Davis Cup captain, has long advocated for more home ties to acclimatize players, but the loss has backfired on his complaints about the format. Hewitt, fined £15,000 earlier for a 2024 incident, watched helplessly as Collignon’s grit—despite the cramps—secured the upset. Australia, runners-up in 2022 and 2023, now needs a miracle: win the doubles and de Minaur must beat Bergs on Sunday to force a decider.
The controversy aligns with broader ITF scrutiny, including recent fines and rule tweaks. Players like de Minaur have called for fairness, but the cramping rule remains a flashpoint, with experts urging the ITF to treat it as a medical issue for player safety.
De Minaur’s Resilience and Australia’s Fightback
De Minaur, ever the fighter, remained upbeat: “There’s nothing better than a comeback story so that’s the goal tomorrow. We’re a long way from being done.” His speed and baseline game were on display, but Collignon’s bravery—pushing through pain—proved decisive. Hijikata and Olympic gold medalist Peers face a tough doubles test, but a win could level the tie at 2-2.
Australia’s first home Davis Cup tie since 2022 drew a packed Ken Rosewall Arena, but the “barbaric” scenes have overshadowed the action. As calls for change grow, the ITF may face pressure to reform, ensuring future matches prioritize health over heroics. For now, de Minaur and co. must channel the drama into a historic turnaround, proving Australia’s fighting spirit endures.
