22.03 – Fernando lost to Guccione in three sets, 7/5, 4/6 4/6
[Photo Gallery updated :: 156 Photos]
[Interview with Fernando - from the tournament website]
Quarters : González vs Guccione at 7 pm local time. 21.03 – (report from the tournament website)
Thursday night’s feature match, a stadium packed with Gonzo fans gathered under a hazy full moon to see world number 12 Fernando Gonzalez carve up 73-ranked Kristof Vliegen. They got their money’s worth in a three-set thriller.
Gonzalez’s revamped all-court game was apparent from the start of the match, from his elegant deep slices to rushes into the net, where he put away decisive volleys; to delicate drop shots backed by pin-point passing shots. This from a guy who a few years ago was known for stalking the winner every time he stepped up to the ball, preferably ripping his signature forehand.
Belgian Kristof Vliegen broke Gonzalez’s first service game to go up 2-0 in the first set. Gonzo immediately broke back and held service to get the score to four games all. The Chilean broke one more time to win the first set 6-4, punctuated by vibrant cheers of “Vamos!” and “Viva Chile!” from the large group of South American fans on the stadium’s east side, festooned with Chilean flags.
In the second set, Gonzalez opened with a love service game, sealing it with a beautiful backhand slice to the deuce corner. In the next couple of games, Gonzo showcased his shot variety, at one point dropping the ball short then following it with a lob that clipped the back of Vliegen’s baseline. Serving at 2-3, backing up two solid service winners, Gonzalez moved in, sliced another dropper, forcing the Belgian to crowd the net – then passing him expertly to win that game at love. It was obvious that finesse rather than power was going to win the match – something not often said about the fiery Chilean. In the next game Gonzalez broke Vliegen’s serve. Looking comfortably in the lead at 5-4 he appeared ready to serve it out, stepping up to the service line before the music died out over the intercom.
But Vliegen had other ideas. Gonzo hit a big first serve but the return came back with interest, and he hit out on the next shot. Vliegen followed that up with three winner service returns, and held at love. Serving at 5-all, Vliegen capitalized on a string of Gonzalez errors, probing the Chilean’s backhand relentlessly. On game point at 40-15, the chair umpire over-ruled a Vliegen serve a linesman had called out and he went up 6-5. Gonzalez held serve next to bring up the tiebreak.
The breaker was somewhat lop-sided, with Vliegen serving well, firing two aces in the sequence with none for Gonzalez, who seemed more intent on placing the serve instead of going for big power. Vliegen won it 7-2.
The South American-infused crowd came to life in the third set, roaring for Gonzo on every point. Gonzalez for his part reverted to “what works” – massive forehands, ripping relentless winners every time he got his racket on the ball from the baseline; and serving much bigger. Returning the first set favor, he broke early to go up 3-0. Vliegen held his next service game, finishing with an ace. Vliegen broke back at 4-2, after reaching two deuces in a big-hitting baseline game; then held serve for 4 games all. Gonzalez faced a tough hold in his next service game, going down love-30, then recovering to win. He broke Vliegen in the final game at 15-40 to win the set 6-4, and the match 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4.
Afterwards Gonzalez acknowledged (almost apologetically) to the crowd that he had given them a scare – but many were left with the sense that Gonzo is also working on his game here at the BMW Tennis Championship, hitting shots and working strategies under pressure that take him out of his comfort zone, as preparation for the competition he may face from top ten players at Miami next week.
[Photo Gallery updated (from the Sunrise website) :: 153 photos]
20.03 - Fernando won his first match in Sunrise challenger. He defeated Korolev in straights sets 7/6 6/4 and qualifies for the 1/8 Finals. He took his revenge on the player who defeated him in Las Vegas. On thursday, he’ll face Kristof Vliegen. They face twice and Fernando leads 2-0. The last match was in 2005 on clay. After the match, Fernando said that : “I felt well, even if I was a little tired. The matches I’m going to play in this tournament will be good to prepare Miami and the rest of the season”.
[Photo Gallery updated (from the Sunrise website) :: 150 photos]
A funny video of Marcelo Melo with Fernando González – [Marcelo's blog] -
Before recording, Marcelo Melo told to Fernando that it was for his blog, Feña said that he was a little nervous and didn’t know what to say lol He also said that Fernando was one of the nicest person on tour. He’s right Obrigado Marcelo, bonito videos
18.03 -Draw : 1R González vs Korolev. It won’t be easy Fernando lost to Korolev in Las Vegas. Take your revenge Feña please !!
17.03 – According to his official website, Fernando accepted an invitation for the challenger tournament in Sunrise, Florida. Fernando explained that “after having lost in the second round of IW, I would have stayed about 2 weeks without playing before the MS Miami. For this reason, the option of Sunrise is very interesting, because I’ll play matches and I’ll arrive with more rythm at the tournament of Key Biscayne”
Last time, González played a challenger was in septiembre 2002 when he arrived in the quarters at the tournament of Szczecin, Polonia
Here’s a summary of the Australian Open. Fernando lost in the third round against Cilic. According to those who watched the match, Cilic played a great match, Fernando was bothered by his shoulder. With that result, Fernando dropped to the rank number 24. Now, he has to come back to have a good draw in the TMS.
1R :González vs Economidis (GRE), 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-1
Some problems with the Greeks fans ( , it’s the first time i see that in tennis
Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez is the latest top seed to exit the Australian Open, beaten in four sets by world No. 57 Marin Cilic.Continuing a run of unforseen results over the past 24 hours, the 196cm Cilic powered his way into the fourth round with an emphatic 6-2 6-7 (7-4) 6-3 6-1 victory on Rod Laver Arena.The Croatian, his first serve averaging 199km/h, sent down 14 aces in ending No.7 seed Gonzalez’s campaign in the third round.Gonzalez smashed his racquet in anger after surrendering the first set inside 40 minutes, but his mood would have improved after fighting back to take the second in a tiebreaker.
However, it proved to be a shortlived revival as Cilic came back to win the next two sets and book a fourth round clash with James Blake.
Cilic, at 19 the youngest player left in the men’s draw, said after his win: “Today I’ve played the best match of my life.”
[Post match interview - Australian Open website]
Q. Did you have any physical problems out there? It looked like you were serving very sporadic, 150 and 200, then back to 150.
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: It was tough to play. I got here like 15 days ago, and after three, four days it started to bother my shoulder because the ball was too heavy, and today I was really tired.
In last two days I was with stomach upset, so I couldn’t take it anymore. It was really hard to me. I mean, serve, especially hard the way that he was returning.
I was really disappointed when you’re in the court and he’s serving 200 kilometers and then you serve 160. It’s a big difference.
Q. Did you ever think about not playing?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: No, no. No, no, I was ‑‑ I mean, I wasn’t my 100 percent, but I was able to play. I was fighting a lot. I think I did a really good match in the first three sets.
Q. Can you remember that you were so defensive in any match lately?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yeah, because it was ‑‑ I wasn’t feeling good on the court. I was serving and the ball was coming to the line really hard and I have to put the ball back in play. And when he was serving he was serving really good, so he wasn’t easy to play.
Q. Did it surprise you at all the way he played? Do you think he just could sustain this level almost the whole match?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yeah, I mean, it was a long match, you know. When the match is long, I think I was the favorite. And when I won the second set I think that I can get the control of the match.
And after I have an early break. The first game I missed like two or three forehands and he took the control again. And then I broke him back, and then he broke me like three times in a row.
Q. He said that he thought that perhaps because he played indoors it might have helped him a lot on his serve. Do you think that made part of the difference as well?
FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yeah, it’s part of the game. You cannot do anything about the weather, so ‑‑ but anyway, he played a really good match. I wasn’t feeling like I want, but I was able to fight.
[Interview, La Tercera, just before the Australian Open]
[Translation by the webmaster]
González: “This year, I go for the Olympic medal”
Fernando González talked about everything : his new status on tour, the desire he has to face Roger Federer in Australia and his passion for the club he loves : Colo Colo
“I don’t know if my companions are looking at me differently, but I’m always the same”, says “Feña” while signing shirts.
As a person, he didn’t change. As a player, he improved positively, because it has been one year and he played a final and playing a final makes you improve. It’s a beautiful memory, even if now the story is different and I can’t still thinking about that.
Do you feel that you have won, at least, the respect of your pairs ?
I have always been the same on tour. The ranking doesn’t have any influence and if they respect me, it’s because we have to think to be a better person and above all a good professional.
What are the things you wish to change in the aim to be in the top 5 ?
At this level, the difference is reduced. I need several matches or a good tournament.
A este nivel, la diferencia es muy reducida. Necesito algunos partidos o un buen torneo. This help you to climb the steps. I have a lot of expectations for this year.
And in the game ? Why here, according to your coach, there’s a lack of agressivity ?
Sure.. with Larry, we talked together, and we think that we have to attack more the ball, especially here in Australia, where the balls is very slow. This, makes me doubt a little bit. Here, you have the best players in the world. It’s a high level tournament. You can have strong opponents in the first round.
Any superstition to repeat a final ?
I’m not really superstitious even if I know that some feel good with that. I believe more in the rituals
From Viña a Beijing
But Australia is not the only them which is in González’s mind. I have other goals for 2008, some immediately and others for the Olympic Games this year.
How will you deal with the ATP Viña, considering that it was not good last year ?
Viña is a very important tournament forme. Unfortunately, in 2007, I didn’t arrive with the best preparation. I won there twice and I’d like to win a third time
What are your expectations for Beijing 2008 ?
I have great memories from Athens, and for what we did with Nicolas (Massu), even if this year, I go for the medal in the singles. This is one of my biggest dream and I think it will be my last opportunity to have it.
González v Nalbandian – Nalbandian didn’t play due to a back injury
González vs Klein (Aus) – 7-6(3), 6-4
González vs Baghdatis (Chy) – 2-6, 5-7
González vs Safin (Rus) – 3-6, 3-6
[Two videos from youtube : Bagdathis.net]
[Press conference - 9th Jan.] Q. Fernando, a good start. How do you think you went?
A. Was good match. I mean, I haven’t played since two months, I think, and it’s always nice to come back and win. I mean, it was little bit tough because the balls are heavier than last year. It was a little bit windy, but anyway, a good win for me.
Q. How far way away do you think you are from the form you had at this time last year?
A. Still away but, I mean, a good way. But, you know, always the beginning of the year is really tough, and this one I have a really good rest after the season and really hard work, and I get here with a lot of expectation to have really good motivation to look forward for Australian Open.
Q. Last year, you were surprised to go so far? This year, do you think more people will be waiting for you?
A. After Australian Open from last year everyone was waiting for me, expecting what I’m going to do every week. And the other player wants to beat you. That’s like a new status after you have a really good tournament. But I’m ready. I mean, I know that the year is long, but I have a really good memory from last year in this tournament.
Q. You play Marcos Baghdatis – you have beaten him before – in the next game?
A. Yes.
Q. How do you approach that game?
A. He’s a good player, Marcos. He did Final too, like two years ago, and I know him really well. I think we play only once. We had really tough match in the time, but it’s going to be interesting, and let’s see what happen.
Q. It’s almost like the battle to see who is the best Australian Open finalist in the last two years?
A. Maybe. I mean, he is a good player and winning a really good match today against Davydenko, so it’s going to be really tough for me. Thank you.
[Press conference - 11th Jan.] Q. You didn’t look very happy out there, Fernando. How did you feel you played today?
A. I not playing my best at the moment. But this kind of match help a lot to get, to try to get better and better, because I haven’t played official matches since maybe two months. But I think today was a tough condition, but in a way it’s good because in the Australian Open you can, any day can be hot, windy. You never know what it’s going to be.
Q. Is there any part of your game that you think you need to work on?
A. No. The shots are okay, but sometimes I’m not going to the net so I have to worry a bit more in that particular point.
Q. What will you be working on with Larry over the next couple of days, what’s the plan?
A. We’ve been working a lot. I mean, now there’s not much you can do because there’s only two days left to, to the Australian Open. But I think I can play better than, than I did today, but I have to be focussed and try, try my best always.
Q. Marcos said earlier this week that he felt really nervous when he came back to Melbourne last year, in making the final. How are your thoughts? Are you nervous about
returning after such success?
A. Not yet. I mean, I have – I’m very excited. It’s the first Grand Slam of the year. But I don’t have to think too much about last year. Last year was last year, and now you have to live the present and try to do the best you can. But anyway, it’s good memory for me and I know that I can play really good tournament here.
Q. You have shown in the past you can turn your form around, very quickly. Are you confident of that?
A. I mean, the Slams are long tournaments, it’s two weeks, you play five sets, so sometimes with one match you can play much better than one day to another.
Q. Your thoughts on the courts?
A. The court, it’s okay. I mean, it’s slow. The ball, I don’t really like it. I mean, it’s too heavy and too hard.
I don’t care if it’s heavy but if it’s too hard, when you don’t hit in the right spot on the racquet you feel it
everywhere in your arm. That’s the worst part.
Q. So do you think the new courts might make it harder for you to have such a good run as you did last year?
A. No. I mean, the new court is better because it’s slow court. The problem is the ball, I mean, because if you don’t hit in the right spot you can be hurt. I think most of the player can have some pain on the arm and the elbow because the ball is too hard.
Q. So will that in any way affect that deadly forehand of yours?
A. Excuse me?
Q. Will that affect that deadly forehand that you have?
A. Affect – no, I just go for it. Today was tough conditions because you have to move a lot and the wind was like around it, so it wasn’t easy today.
Q. Was the wind bothering your serve?
A. A little bit, but most on the ground stroke because always the ball is moving and it was tough.
Q. Your impression on how Marcos is hitting the ball?
A. Oh, he was serving really good and he was – he is in good form. I mean he, everyone know that he’s a good player but he – I mean, he is moving well, he’s hitting the ball really good and serving good too.
Q. His serve seemed exceptional today; does his serve seem like it has improved?
A. Don’t really remember because the only one that we play was like three years ago; but I know, I know that he serve really good and today was one of the days.
Q. Fernando, you play Marat tomorrow. The last four times you have played Marat you beat him so you must have a, you know, a secret to know how to beat him?
A. Yeah. He is a really good player, Marat. We play many times. I mean, fortunately, the last four times I won, but it’s going to be a tough match. I mean, I practise with him in the past days and he, he is playing really good.
Q. You have had a look through your Australian Open draw. What do you make of a likely second round match with the Australian Chris Guccione?
A. I don’t know who I’m playing with.
Q. Sorry?
A. Larry has just told me I play against qualifier.
Q. In the first round?
A. Yes. I know nothing else.
[From the Australian Open Website - Jan. 9th]
Safin and González practriced together
A practice match on Rod Laver Arena between Marat Safin and Fernando Gonzalez was subdued this morning, as Safin attempted to get his serve back on track before the start of Australian Open 2008 next week.
A practice match on Rod Laver Arena between Marat Safin and Fernando Gonzalez was subdued this morning, as Safin attempted to get his serve back on track before the start of Australian Open 2008 next week.
The two men took no mercy on each other as they served with tremendous speed in the quiet of the Arena, only the sound of cleaners talking amongst themselves could be heard as they scrubbed the steps in preparation for thousands of fans on Monday.While Safin shook his head in frustration after serving fault after fault, Gonzalez was composed, and although they barely spoke during their intense practice match, their racquets did the talking.Almost an hour after they stepped onto the court, Safin began to warm up, and began to play to his best while Gonzalez tried to return Safin’s mighty serve, which looks to have improved since his practice session on Friday.
Gonzalez placed runner up in last year’s Australian Open and is yet to win a Grand Slam, Safin placed third last year, but won the Australian Open in 2005.
17.11 - Russian Nikolay Davydenko avoided a 0-3 rout at Tennis Masters Cup when he defeated Fernando Gonzalez 6-4, 6-3 Friday to claim his first win of the 2007 circuit finale. The result sent the Chilean tumbling out of semifinal contention and guaranteed that Roger Federer would reach the last four, regardless of the outcome of his group match with Andy Roddick.
For Gonzalez, the Masters Cup brought mixed fortunes. He broke a career 10-match losing streak against Federer in his first match of the round-robin stage, but that performance may have taken more out of the Chilean than was first thought. He failed to win a set in his following two matches against Andy Roddick and Davydenko.
But Gonzalez still enjoyed the best year of his career, bookended by his first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open and his first appearance at the circuit finale, after which he will finish a career-best year-end No.7 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings.
Gonzalez said: “For me always is tough to play against Davydenko. He play really fast and both sides are really good, have really good return. But today I give my best, and I think wasn’t enough.
“I was really excited because I still having chances to go to the semis, but it was really tough. I didn’t feel like on the first day.”
* Here, you can download (pdf), the written interviews with Fernando during the Masters Cup, enjoy !!
[From gonzaleztenis.com - Translation by the webmaster]
Hello friends,
I ended my participation in the Masters of Shanghai. Today, was not a good day, but I leave in peace. I think I played a good tennis this week. I gave everything and unfortunately it was not enough to arrive much further.
Today, the match against Davydenko, was a very tough match. The first set was hard and lasted more than 1 hour, and all the points were played. He’s a great player from the bottom of the court, with regular strokes. At the end, I lost, but I gave everything on the court.
Now, comes a very good rest, after a good year, and to get strengh for the events to come, and I hope that it will better than it was. Thanks to everyone for your messages of support and good luck to the chilean national team in Montevideo.
Fernando
16.11 - Here is a brief guide to who needs to what and to whom in order to reach the semi finals. If Nikolay Davydenko (who cannot qualify whatever happens) beats Fernando Gonzalez, then Roger Federer goes through to the last four. If Gonzalez beats Davydenko and Federer beats Andy Roddick (who has already qualified), Gonzalez is out and Federer is through. In order to qualify, Gonzalez needs to beat Davydenko and hope against hope that Roddick beats Federer. Right, that’s the singles sorted out.
Friday, November 16, 2007
CENTER COURT start 3:00 pm
M Knowles (BAH) / D Nestor (CAN) vs L Dlouhy (CZE) / P Vizner (CZE)
Not Before 5:00 PM
N Davydenko (RUS) vs F Gonzalez (CHI)
Not Before 7:30 PM
R Federer (SUI) vs A Roddick (USA)
S Aspelin (SWE) / J Knowle (AUT) vs A Clement (FRA) / M Llodra (FRA)
14.11 - Fernando lost to Andy Roddick in straights sets 6/1 6/4. Roddick becomes the first player to qualify for the semi-finals of the Masters Cup. Fernando and Roger Federer will fight to have the second ticket for the semi-finals. Fernando has to beat Davydenko and Andy Roddick has to defeat Roger Federer. Federer won today and will be motivated to qualify, so it will be difficult for Fernando to qualify. But, we never know…
[From the Masters Cup website]
For Gonzalez, the performance was a puzzling as it was frustrating, coming just two days after his stunning performance to snap a 10-match career losing streak against Federer. Gonzalez never recovered from a very shaky start. He dropped his opening service game and fell awkwardly twice in the space of four points, ending on his backside on both occasions. The Chilean, who made 13 unforced errors in the first set, also conceded his second service game as Roddick raced to a 5-0 lead.
Fernando said :
“Today I was really, really tired. I mean, with my body, I feel really like heavy. It was really hard to me to move to one side to another. I need like maybe one or two more step to stop and go the other way.
“It wasn’t a really good day for me. And Andy plays really good. I mean, he have an early break and then he get a lot of confidence winning the match.”
13.11 -Day off for Feña – From his official website (transl. by the webmaster)
Hello friends,
First of all, I’d like to thank you for the big amount of messages you sent me through my website. One hour after the match, there was about 200.
The good thing in the Masters is that you have one day off and this gives you more time to “celebrate” the victories. Yesterday was special, except the victory against Federer, my parents were here in Shanghai. It’s not often that they come together to see me play outside Chile and yesterday was a great memory
Today, we had lunch. It was the first day that we could go out to dinner outside the hotel or the club. Since I arrived in Shanghai, we didn’t have the opportunity to go outside, because the hotel is at about 1 hour by car from the club. It’s very far.
I’m very happy but the tournament continues. Now, i have to play against Andy Roddick. It will be tough, like all the matches here. He’s just won a good match and the courts suits him well
The only deception is that my physical trainer, Carlos Burgos, didn’t have the possibility to come. They didn’t gave him the visa and he did the formalities twice But, I’m in contact with him everyday
I’m sending greetings to the players of the chilean team. I suppose they are together. I wish them the best of luck and I hope we’ll win in Uruguay. Le mando un gran saludo a los jugadores de la Selección. Supe que ya están todos reunidos. Les deseo la mayor de las suertes y ojalá que ganemos en Uruguay.
Fernando
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
CENTER COURT start 3:00 pm
L Dlouhy (CZE) / P Vizner (CZE) vs A Clement (FRA) / M Llodra (FRA)
Not Before 5:00 PM
R Federer (SUI) vs N Davydenko (RUS)
Not Before 7:30 PM
A Roddick (USA) vs F Gonzalez (CHI)
M Knowles (BAH) / D Nestor (CAN) vs S Aspelin (SWE) / J Knowle (AUT) Shanghai Time
- 7 hours for Central European Time
- 13 hours for Eastern Time, USA
12.11 - Finally, Fernando defeated his black beast, Roger Federer, in a 3 sets match, 3-6, 7-6 (1) y 7-5. It’s the first victory after 11 matches. Everything is possible in tennis !!
Fernando Gonzalez ended almost four years of torment against Roger Federer at Tennis Masters Cup Monday night, snapping a 10-match career losing streak against the World No. 1 with a 3-6, 7-6(1), 7-5 victory.
Energized by a rout of Federer in an explosive second-set tie-break, Gonzalez claimed his first win in 11 career meetings with Federer in their first match-up since Federer’s straight-sets win in January’s Australian Open.
Perhaps emoldened by David Nalbandian’s use of aggression in his back-to-back ATP Masters Series wins over Federer in Madrid and Paris, Gonzalez unleashed the full force of his mighty groundsroke weaponry as he took the fight to Federer. The Swiss did win the first set after breaking Gonzalez’s opening service game and had dropped just nine points on his own serve heading into the second-set tie-break. But that’s when Gonzalez turned the match on its head.
Gonzalez began the tie-break with a big ace down the ‘T’, much to the delight of Chinese fans, who roared their approval. After claiming a mini-break to go ahead 2-0, the Chilean then produced a piece of magic to bust open the tie-break. Allowing the ball to bounce inside the service line, Federer rocketed a smash directly at Gonzalez, who was postioned behind the baseline in the center of the court. He reflexed back a forehand lob over the head of Federer, who chased it down, but was unable to slingshot the ball back into play. Gonzalez raced to a 6-0 lead and evetually closed out the tie-break 7-1.
Federer faced his first break points in the third game of the third set when he fought back from 15/40 to hold serve. He also saved one break point in his next service game. Gonzalez struck the decisive blow at 5-5 on Federer’s serve. He crushed a massive crosscourt forehand winner that eluded the outstretched Federer and followed up by dancing around a second serve to blast a clean off forehand winner that painted the line to go ahead 15/40. Another huge forehand on the next point set up a put-away volley clinched the decisive break.
Congratulations campeón !!! That’s why we love to watch you play, you always give 100 % and fight until the end of the match !!!
Few words after the match :
“It feels good. After 10 times, it’s my turn now… Now that I beat him, the group is very close because I still have two matches really hard to play, and nobody knows what is going to happen”
“I think my best match of ever was in the Australian Open against Tommy Haas in the semifinals… But today I play really good. I mean, the last two games were in the top of my level.”
“If we compare to Australia, the court, here, is faster, even if I had my opportunities in the first set, and he, at the moment, was also very tired, but I’m happy because I recovered my energy so I played very well”.
“I didn’t defeat him 6/2 6/2, but to do it, I had to work very hard during the two hours, running a lot and having luck a little bit, believing in my strokes, but I did it”
“I think [Roger] say that I kill him with my backhand because he didn’t expect that. He expect I’m going to do that with my forehand. Today I was hitting really good my backhand. I know I surprise him a lot with down the line, try to keep the cross one.”
“The first five games he plays like a real No. 1, more than No. 1. I was feeling really bad on the court. But after he went down a little bit and my level went up. So I think the key of the match was my serve and don’t be scared to go for my shots… I play like three unbelievable points to broke him in 5-all in the third…
About his double fault on the match point:
“I was a bit nervous with the double fault but I had three opportunities (40-0). When I did the double fault, it made me more nervous”
Now, Fernando will face the player from the USA, Andy Roddick :
“He’s a great player. I love playing against him, because he’s a great competitor. He has a great serve, but mine is working well”
Federer’s words about Fernando :
“Fernando played a great tennis. He served very well in the two last sets”
“I’m not surprised because I’ve known him since we are juniors (…) His great forehand, I know it since a long time, even if today, he impressed me a lot with his regularity”
[From Fernando's official website - translation by the webmaster]
Hello friends,
What can I tell you except that I’m happy. I’m very pleased to have beaten the world number 1 and one of the best number 1 in the history, maybe the best. The good thing is that nobody will beat me 11 times in a row, ha ha !!
It has been a long time that I didn’t feel like that, with a great motivation and to feel slight (light) on the court. They asked me if it was the best victory of my life. I think that it’s one of the best, even if we can say that the hierarchy of the tournament and the opponent, it was the most brillant. The thing which make me think is the time when I defeated Andre Agassi in Washington. It’s one of my other good memories in my career, especially because I grew up seeing him play. With Roger, we did all our career together.
Federer is one of the best players in the history, with Borg, Sampras and others. And, I have a lot of proud to have defeated him. I was a little bit nervous, I was lead in the scoreboard, but I had nothing to lose and after calming down, everything worked well. Federer continues to be the world number 1 because the ranking is made on the 18 tournaments and not on 1 only. He ended 4 years in a row as the world number 1, but sometimes, he has to lose. It’s human and sometimes the opponents win great strokes and he can lose a match.
He was the favourite, according the figures, for all his career, but I had a great motivation and I was with full of dreams when I entered on the court. He played the first five games as the real world number 1 he is, and I felt very bad there. But, he went down and I went up. The key was my serve and I was confident on all my strokes, but with him, we never know, because he has always an extraordinary stroke in the important moments.
Regarding the match, I think that 2-0 in the tie-break, was one of the key points. He smashed powerfully in the middle, that I responded like a ball. It was a point that he had lost and I was leading 3-0, with two services in my advantage. It was a fast and important advantage.
This, is the most important tournament of the year and starting to win against the world number 1 is very important for me, but I still have at the moment two complicated matches to play and I want to stay focused to reach the semifinals.
Last but not the least, I’d like to thank the fans who supported me. The chileans are always with me, shouting and cheering me, and this give me a lot of help and support. I like when they shout and support because we are south americans and it’s our way to support. They supported me in the difficult moments, you feel abroad, but you can count of them. I am exactly at the furthest point from my country, I have to fly 27 hours to arrive here, so, the support was crucial.
Thank you for visiting the website and for your great support.
Fernando
11.11 – Order of play for monday
Not before 7:30 pm
Roger Federer (SUI) vs Fernando Gonzalez (CHI)
Some highlights from the opening ceremony in Shanghai
-From la Tercera – (Translation by the webmaster)
Fernando González : “I want to qualify for the semis”
Regarding his first match against Roger Federer, Fernando said : “it’s the match the most difficult, but a lot of times, it’s better to face the best player in the first match”
The Chilean tennis player, Fernando González (7th ATP), for the first time, will play the tennis masters cup after having qualified directly, before, he was there as a substitute, he has as a goal to arrive to the semi-finals.
“I want to qualify for the semi-finals, I have a very difficult group, but at the same time, it’s the same (for everyone), so I think that it will be a difficult work, but very reachable”.
The “bombardero de la Reina” will start on monday evening against the world number 1, the Swiss Roger Federer, against whom he lost 10 times.
The Chilean said that “it’s the most difficult match, with any doubts, but most of the time, it’s better to face the best player in the first match, then, the other matches may be less difficult”
“I clearly know that it’s going to be a difficult match”, but the opportunity to win against the world number 1 : “we enter with more motivation”.
Regarding the surface of the Qi Zhong stadium which will host the Masters Cup, he said that ” I’d like to hit more the ball, but it’s the same for everyone”, he insisted that “I spent several days to accostumate, so everyday, I’m feeling better”.
The Chilean showed his satisfaction regarding his qualification for the competition, and said that “it’s the goal of all the players, to arrive in a tournament where there are only the 8 best”, for him, it’s “an honour and a big opportunity”
[From gonzaleztenis.com, translation by the webmaster]
Hello friends,
I am in Shanghai waiting here the match against Roger Federer. As I said before, we haven’t faced since the final of the Australian Open and I hope that this will be my revenge.
Except the Masters, I found out the news that has worried me a lot : It’s the state of health of Don Julito Martinez. In spite of the enormous distance that separates us, I want to send my greetings and a strong hug to him. I hope from the bottom of my heart that he’ll recover quickly.
I don’t remember exactly when it was the first time that I listened to him speaking of me, but I remember that on Sundays I didn’t miss his advises of the goals in the news. For me, the synonymous of a sport journalist was Julito Martinez. For that reason, c’mon Don Julio!
Here, in Shanghai, the inaugural ceremony of the Masters Cup was made. It was very nice. Tomorrow Sunday those of the Golden Group will make their debut and later it will be our turn, on monday.
Yesterday, I discovered my statue, the one that ATP ordered to do with copies in the style of the Chinese imperial terra-cotta soldiers. The truth is that it is impressive to see itself like a statue. Being sincere, the statue was better than I, ha ha!!
Thanks friends for visiting the page. Greetings to all !!
Fernando.
10.11 – According to the Chilean newspaper (emol), Fernando will face Roger Federer on monday, at 8.30 am (chilean time), that means 12.30 (in Europe) and at 19.30 (in Shanghai). The exact time will be confirmed later.
Here are the first pictures to promote the competition
02.11 - I have updated the blog. A lot of personal pictures and official pictures, so now the gallery has more than 2000 pictures. Also, videos have been added. Regarding Fernando in Shanghai, he has one foot in, now, we have to support Rafa Nadal against Youzhny. It’s a bit stressy but I’m sure Rafael will make a good job. It would be so great to see Feña in Shanghai, he deserves to be there, and he’s great for the game, always exciting to watch, playing with his heart.
31.10 - Full update will be made tomorrow evening, with videos, photos, reports. I just wanted to thank Fernando for his double match today. Thanks for fighting, you made me happy today You’ll always have my support in the good and in the bad moments !! You’ll go to Shanghai, I’m convinced !!
Fernando’s reaction after his defeat vs Youzhny (30.10)
[From la Tercera.cl, translation by the webmaster]
“Before knowing if I’d go to the Masters Cup, I’ll have to wait until the defeats of some players. And, there are a lot. I don’t know, tomorrow, I’ll play doubles. I’ll try to win some matches in the doubles and I’ll wait because there’s nothing I can do at the moment”
“The level is very competitive. There are a lot of players who have the possibility to go to Shanghai, whereas there’s still one tournament to play, and this is very good”.
“Today, I played a good match, but it was not enough. Youzhny played a good match as well. I served well until the half of the second set, then, I lost the rythm, and Youzhny took the control”.
“The balance is positive because I’m number 7 in the ranking of the year. I don’t think a lot of the tournaments where I lost in the first round, I took it positively”
30.10- Feña González vs M. Youzhny, Center Court, 4th match of the day. Head to Head 3-0 for Feña Buena suerte !! Only one victory to go to Shanghai !!! We’ll support you !!!
29.10- I saw Fernando’s first double match this afternoon. It was great to see him play doubles, he was always smiling during the match. If you have never seen Fernando play, please for your first time, watch him play in the doubles, that’s how I discovered him, he was playing doubles with Roddick in Paris-Bercy (2002). the good news of the evening is that Fernando and Willy Cañas defeated the french pair Benetteau/Mahut in straights sets 6/4 6/2. The first set was tough but they won easily the second. It’s a good practrice for tomorrow. I don’t understand how both can play tomorrow afternoon, they have finished their match at 8 pm !! Personal pictures from the match are available in the photo gallery, if you want to use them for your personal website/blogs/fotologs, please mention my blog
I’ll be at Fernando’s match tomorrow, don’t forget to check the blog. A video from today will follow
28.10 - I saw Fernando this afternoon going to the practrice. I didn’t talk to him but I was happy to see him. Tomorrow, he’ll play his first double match on the court 1. I bought my ticket and I’ll be there. The match is scheduled at 5pm. I’ll post pictures, videos and report when I’ll be back at home. Vamos Campeón !!
27.10 - The french organisers changed the draw and swapped Robredo and Fernando, so Fernando will now face in the second round, the French Clement or Youzhny, it’s more complicated than the other draw I think Fernando will need to win that match and counts maybe on the losses of his direct opponents. I really hope he won’t face Clement because of the French crowd. I’ll be again the only one in the crowd to support Fernando lol and I remember last year. The head to head with Clement is 3-3, last meeting was in Metz in 2003, so Fernando wasn’t the top 10 player he is now. And, with Youzhny, Fernando leads 3-0, last meeting, was in 2006 in Rome, but on hard court, they only met once. Fernando is in the main doubles draw, he’s playing with Willy Cañas again and they’ll face in the first round the french pair Mahut/Benneteau. Good luck to Feña and Willy !!!
26.10 – The BNP Parisbas masters’ draw is now available. Fernando is the seed number 7, has a “bye” in the first round and will face in the second round, the winner of the match Simon/Storace. Fernando has never won a match in Paris, so I hope this year, he’ll break the Bercy curse. He can do it, we’ll be there to support him !! He deserves to go to Shanghai !! He’s a fighter !!!
I’ll go to Bercy this week, so I’ll try to post a report when it will be possible with pictures. Don’t forget to check the blog often !!
Israel defeated Chile 3-2, sad result for the Chilean team and the fans. Chile won’t remain in the world group and will play in the zona Americas, Group 1, their aim will be to come back in the world group. In 2008, Chile will be seeded and will have a bye in the first round, and will face in the second round, the winner of the tie, Mexico/Canada.
Fernando is back in Santiago where he’ll spend a couple of days, then, he’ll be back in Europe to play the indoor season, starting with Vienna. Videos to download – reports and interviews -
It began on a lazy Saturday afternoon with a car ride to get coffee. It ended with a dog bite, an altruistic rescue and, ultimately, a heartwarming reunion.
Fernando Gonzalez, a lifetime lover of dogs, is horrified to see a small terrier mix run down by a car on a busy Santiago highway. Pulling his car to the side of the road, Gonzalez embarks on a rescue mission to save the dog – which is barely moving and nursing a broken hip – from being hit a second time. But not everyone wants to be rescued.
“I tried to get the dog, but he didn’t want to come,” the 2007 Australian Open finalist and Top 10 star recalls. “He wasn’t moving much and I could see he had a hip problem, so I couldn’t just leave him there.”
Suddenly recalling that he is in the middle of a highway, Gonzalez turns his head to check for oncoming traffic, only to be bitten near the base of his little finger on his right hand – his playing hand! “It wasn’t a hard bite, but it was a special part of my hand. He was afraid; that’s why he bit me. I didn’t want to leave him but at that point I didn’t know what to do.”
Gonzalez returns to his car only to be followed by the dog, who crawls underneath the vehicle. “Maybe that was a sign he really wanted my help,” Gonzalez says. Risking further injury, Gonzalez lures the dog out and puts it into the front passenger seat of his car alongside his friend. To this day Gonzalez is unsure of the breed of the dog, but likens him to Benji, the terrier mix who found fame on the big screen.
“I called my sister, who is a vet. I also called my doctor, who said I needed to go to the hospital. I told my friend to drop me at the hospital and then to take the dog to the vet.”
Gonzalez thought he may need to get a rabbies shot, but was advised against it. “I had one shot straight away, but it wasn’t for rabbies. They said to wait 10 days. If the dog is still alive after that you’re okay. If he dies, then I need to get the shots – and I wouldn’t be able to play [Master Series] Monte Carlo.
Two days after the rescue the Chilean press became aware of the story and the dog became the best-known canine in the country. The shelter where it was housed was fielding 50 calls an hour from people wanting to adopt the dog and the publicity also flushed out its true owners, sparking a second heart-warming story. The dog, who belonged to a woman who was unable to have children, was lost when the woman’s brother took the dog for a ride on his motorcycle.
“This dog was like a baby to her, so it meant a lot to get it back,” Gonzalez said. “Although I never got to meet the real owner, the press visited the family and got their story and I felt really good to know that I had helped.”
Gonzalez has long been a dog lover and is the proud owner of a four-year-old samoyed, Pato, and an 18-month-old boxer, Roke, given to him by his sister from a litter of eight puppies. When he is on the road the dogs stay with Gonzalez’s parents, increasing the household dog count to six, adding further stress to the home’s two cats.
Given the same situation, would Gonzalez attempt another daring roadside rescue? “Yes, I would do it definitely, but maybe a little differently. Maybe wait a little bit longer because he is afraid.”
And it did add some excitment to a dull day at home. “We went from an afternoon with nothing to do to a situation where we had many things to do!”
– [Marcelo's blog] -
Fernando lost to Korolev in Las Vegas. Take your revenge Feña please !!
