Phoenix 24
The ground trembled, but the players kept training.
Santiago, Chile.
Spain’s Davis Cup team experienced an unexpected interruption during preparations in Santiago on September 18 when a magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck the Chilean capital. The seismic event occurred while Rafa Jódar, Jaume Munar and captain David Ferrer were training on the central court at the National Stadium Sports Park. Remarkably, the three were so focused on their tennis activities that they did not immediately notice the ground shaking. The incident created an unusual moment for the Spanish delegation ahead of its upcoming Davis Cup encounter with Chile.
According to Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER, the earthquake occurred while Jódar and Munar were practicing under Ferrer’s supervision. Members of the International Tennis Federation noticed movement in parts of the venue and approached the court to inform the players. The training session continued initially because those directly involved had not perceived the tremor. Only after officials intervened did they become aware of what had happened.
Other members of the Spanish delegation experienced the situation differently. Team delegate Arantxa Parra and television personnel from Movistar Plus noticed the movement, particularly when the LED advertising panels surrounding the court began to shake. International Tennis Federation representatives also observed slight movement in the venue’s walls. Despite the initial concern, no injuries or material damage were reported.
The episode occurred at a sensitive moment in Spain’s preparations for its Davis Cup series against Chile. The visitors were using their training sessions to adapt to local conditions and refine their approach before the competition. Jódar, Munar and Ferrer resumed their activities after the situation was assessed, allowing the team to continue its preparations. The earthquake ultimately became an unexpected incident rather than an obstacle that prevented the session from continuing.
Chile’s geographical location makes seismic activity a familiar concern for residents and authorities. Situated along the boundary between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, the country experiences frequent earthquakes of varying magnitudes. International sporting delegations visiting the region may therefore encounter environmental conditions that differ considerably from those experienced in their home countries. The incident demonstrates the importance of established safety procedures at sporting venues, particularly when international competitions bring athletes and spectators together.
For the Spanish team, the immediate concern was whether the earthquake had compromised the safety of the facilities or anyone present. With no reported injuries or structural damage, the delegation was able to return its attention to tennis. The players’ failure to notice the initial tremor added an unusual detail to an otherwise serious natural event.
Spain’s Davis Cup preparations continue, with the unexpected seismic interruption providing a memorable episode before the competition against Chile.
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