Roland-Garros : Fernando vs Söderling, VAMOS !!!

Tomorrow afternoon, at 13.00 (french time), Fernando will face Robin Söderling in the semi-final of Roland-Garros.

Head to Head

Gonzo leads 4-3
Last meeting : Word Team Cup, clay, Fernando won

Roland-Garros : Fernando in the semis !!

Fernando qualified for the semi-finals of Roland-Garros. He reached the semis for the first time in his career after have reached twice the quarter finals. Fernando defeated Andy Murray in 4 sets : 6-3 3-6 6-0 6-4 in 2 hours 15 minutes. Fernando will face Robin Söderling in the semis. Vamos !!

[Interviews]

An interview with:

FERNANDOGONZÁLEZ

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What was the key to the match? What was the reason you won, you think?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: I think I was playing really high. I tried to dominate with my forehand, becauseI know that Andy bothered a lot when the balls bounce high. He doesn’t play on clay much.

But I think also i tookevery chance that he gave me. Maybe inthe first set he made a few MISTAKE and I took it. I took my chances, and that was reallyimportant in the fourth set.

Q. Andy has just been in and says you have the best forehand in thegame. You ever hit it better than that?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Sometimes. Depends on the day. But I thinkI’m feeling the ball really well here. Ifeel that I can hit the ball hard, flat, high, and I can do many things withthat side.

I mean, I have troublewith the other one, but I’m playing real good level now.

Q. I remember a match here with Ferrero about five, six years ago. You guys hit the ball so hard. You’ve been hitting the ball hard for a longtime now. Is there any explanation for your forehand? Anybody teach you something special when you were young? It came naturally? Why is your forehand so powerful?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I think most of it is natural. I’ve been hitting the same thing for yearsand years. Of course I improve a few things,but on the attack, I always try to hit and I have no fear. I just go for it.

Some days I can miss,but I know that if I have to win important match, I have to do it on that side.

Q. Did you feel your experience on clay was a big factor today?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Maybe. Maybe. Because Andy, I mean,he’s a great player. But he doesn’thas enough experience maybe playing five sets on clay courts.

I mean, that wasreally ‑‑ I know that in the beginning of the match many things canhappen. I mean, the match can go backand forwards really easy. I think thatwas really important.

Q. Did you ever think it would be Robin Soderling on the other side of thenet in the semifinals of the French Open?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: When you get to French Open, when you sayFrench Open, you think Nadal immediately.

But Robin is a greatplayer. I mean, he hit the ball harderthan most of the guys. If he’s in a goodday he don’t let you play, so it’s gonna be a really tough match for me.

Q. This is his first Grand Slam semifinal. You’ve been in the final. Do youthink that’s an experience that’s important for you?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Hopefully. Hopefully I can use that. But, you know, every match is different, andwe start 0‑0, so you don’t know what’s gonna happen.

Q. Just considering that you’ve been really one of the best clay‑courtplayers for the last few years, in many ways do you feel like you’veunderperformed here at Roland Garros? You’re a past junior champion. Are you surprised it’s taken you this long to get to this round?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: It’s interesting, because I like to play moreon the hardcourt. But in this year or last year I been feeling really good on the clay. I have really tough moments to adapt coming from hardcourt to clay. I take long time to adapt, to slide, to many things.

But I feel that, Imean, I can recover really well. Theworst thing I have is the return of serve, so here on clay, the serve, it’s notreally important like on the other surfaces.

So I’ve been improving a lot on that. I’m more patience and more fit now. I’m able to run for more hours, and that’sreally important in the way that you have to play on a clay court.

Q. Justa question on the other South American still in the draw. I mean, obviously with all these big names dropping out people are talking about what an open tournament it is, but still you don’t hear much about Del Potro. Can you comment on what you think his chances are here?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Have big chances. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s only 20, 21 years old, and he’s No. 5 inthe world.

I mean, he’s really ‑‑ he have really good chances. But, I mean, he’s as long guy. Imean, he grew up playing on clay, but I think he play better on hardcourts, aswell.

But I think he have really goodchances. He’s playing Robredo. But normally, if things going normal, I mean, he have to win.

Q. OnAndy, I know you practiced with him as well last week. What do you think he needs to do to improveon clay?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Maybe try to be a little bit more patience,but he has a really good coach on his side. The best hinge his coach had was patience. Alex, I mean, he have many things to learnabout Alex. But Andy is No. 3 in theworld, and he’s only 21 years old.

I mean, he’s a reallygood player, and he’s gonna dominate the tour in the next years. I mean, now he’s dominate. He won a couple Masters Series, and he madethe final in the US Open last year. Imean, the only thing that he need is time and work a little bit. Just that.

Q. Do you feel you and Roger are defending the honor of the older players?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, it’s interesting, because I talk a lotabout that with my friends. They thoughtthat maybe I’m a little bit insane that I’m old guy, 28, 29 years old. But for tennis I’m giving like five or sixyears advantage to the other guys.

I mean, I’m trying butI feel ‑‑ I feel better now than I was 20 years old, you know, physically,mentally. Of course, my tennis, I beenlearning every time, and I’m fighting for that.

The day that I don’t want to learn any moreand I don’t want to give my 100%, I’m going to quit.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Spanish.

Q. Well, first of all, congratulations. How did you manage to reach that level? You had wonderful shots with your forehand, but every day waswonderful. You always showed very goodcontrol on the court, and you won each match with great authority.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, control, yes. It was important for me to take all theopportunities I had, especially on this match today. I managed to win the third set very easily,and that gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of the match.

I also had a very goodforehand today, so it gave me lots of confidence. It meant to me that I was in a position towin many points with that shot.

Q. This is a wonderful season for you on clay. You won in Viña del Mar, so now what’s the influence of Martin Rodriguez on your game?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, he helped me improve my backhand and feel more free. You know, there are coaches out there that know a lot, but they demand that you are more structured; whereas with Martin, we worked on specific things every day.

We worked very hard,but he gave me a lot of freedom. So Ifeel free on the court. I can do manythings. And when I don’t feel very wellone day, I tell Martin, Okay, let’s practice for 40 minutes only, and otherdays I will practice for longer.

That’s very important. Martin knows me as a player. He is a very good player. He’s a very good friend, as well. He reached his best level at the same age asI am now, so it’s important for him, because he knows the experience of anolder player, as you say.

Q. Whenyou played Hanescu, I told you the other day that what was striking to me wasthat you were regular in your game and you felt your serve was not thatgood. So was your serve useful today?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I did play quite well, and my serve wasmuch better today. It’s true that duringthe other match my serve was not that good, but I worked a lot on my serve toturn it into an asset for me.

Then I had my forehand,which is a beautiful weapon, so it really helped me gain confidence and helpedme win the match.

Q. So 6‑Love, had you imagined scoring 6‑Love against Murray? And have you watched Soderling’s last match? What do you think about it?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: 6‑Love playing Andy? I would have never dreamed it, even playingtable tennis. But, you know, he alsohelped me. He made a few mistakes, andyou have to face it.

As for Soderling, yes,I looked at him, and I know how well he plays at the moment. It’s going to be a very tough match. He’s playing very well at the moment.

Q. You have this really wonderful forehand. Can you tell us what you feel when you hit the ball with such strengthand so much power?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, it’s absolute pleasure when youdominate the game. But when my opponentmakes me run, it’s the kind of a weapon I can use. I have great pleasure hitting the ball hard,managing the game, managing a wonderful dropshot.

What’s great is to havefun when you play. When you practice,you need to have fun, and it’s not all about winning or losing.

Q. You’re playing a semifinal here in Parisa gainst Soderling. That was probably something you were not planning. What’syour analysis, and would you say it’s a big opportunity for you?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, it is a big surprise. We all know Soderling, how he plays. Had someone told me I would reach thesemifinal of a Grand Slam and I would have to play him, I don’t know if I wouldhave believed it.

But when you play guys like Federer or Soderling in the semifinal in such a big tournament, of courseit’s a big moment in your career and you want to make the most of it.

Q. Everybody is praising your forehand: Andy, the press. What do you feel about it?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, that’s good. There is one thing I’ve always been convinced about, is that I win my matches with my serve and with my forehand. I can play well, but I win with those two shots,and that’s what’s happening at the moment.

Q. When you play Soderling, would you think you’re a favorite?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I want to think I’m a favorite because I feel fit to win the next match, and this is what I want to focus on. I want to focus on my next match. I walk on the court to win the match, andthis is what I feel when I walk on the court for the next match.

Q. What do you think about a final González and Del Potro? What’s the probability?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: I’m very bad at math, so I couldn’t answerthis question.

Q. Would you say it’s 50/50?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I don’t know, because Juan Martin still has two matches to win. I have another one to win. So wait and see.

Q. You must be pretty nervous, because of course you’re facing a player with great experience, and you have great experience. On this match when you were at 5‑3 in thelast set, you were probably a bit nervous.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, not as nervous as I usually am. I was a bit tired, but I wouldn’t say nervous. I served. He returned in a way that I wasn’tcomfortable with, and there was a wind, as well.

So he managed to winthe game. But, you know, that’s part ofthe game. I also knew that he would beon the other side of the court afterwards and he would have to serve with thewind blowing in front of him, and things would be more complex for him.

Q. How will you play Soderling? Sameway you played Murray?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: You know, you think about that match 10minutes before you walk on the court, and I have two days before that.

So I need to taketime. I need to rest. I think we’ll fight to see who takes theinitiative first, because we’re both attackers. We’ll see who wants to attack first.

Q. You have dreams like everyone. Isit a dream you have to win here? Becauseyou’re very close to the cup now, aren’t you?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, yes. Maybe I dream about it, but I’m still two five‑set matches short of thatcup, and that’s a lot. That means lotsof hours playing tennis. Of course Idream about it. But at the moment, it’sonly a dream.

Q. Well, Fenya, how do you feel for this semifinal? You always said that you had no expectations,but now it’s a semifinal against Soderling. Is it the semifinal of your dreams?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, yes, you always dream about reachingthe semifinals, and then you think about the next step and what can happenafter that.

But right now I’m happybecause I’m having great time on the court, and I think you see that. I really have fun playing, and that’s themost important.

Q. Don’t you have too much pressure in your country about Roland Garros?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, at the moment, I’m just playing RolandGarros, so don’t ask me more questions.

Q. Tennis in Europe is very important from an economic standpoint,political standpoint, but likewise in other countries in Latin America. So how will youcope with that for Latin America? How can you bring this cup back to South America? What will it mean for you to do that?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, there was already a final of the Davis Cup five years ago, I think, and that was in Argentina. But I can’t answer your question.

If I win on Friday,maybe I’ll have an answer to that question.

Q. You had a fever a few days ago. Apparently you suffered a virus. Are you okay now? Did you have time to rest? Another question: Eleven years ago you were the junior championhere, so how did you evolve over the last eleven years?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, to your first question, yes, I recovered from this viral infection. Ididn’t play the double because I didn’t feel well not yesterday but theday before.

But adrenaline is good for you, you know. It helps you overcome your symptoms. I really think ‑‑ well,I have two days of rest now, and I really think I’ll be at my top to fight thesemifinal.

Now, for the second part of your question,11 years, that’s a long time. It’salmost a whole career. So did Ichange? I don’t know. I’m still the same person. As a player I have changed, of course. I have played many matches. I can take perspective now, and I enjoyplaying tennis more than I used to at that time.

[Interview for the French tv]

[Same interview but without the French translation]

Fernando meets M. Bachelet in Paris

Fernando received in Paris the big support of the President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet. The president of Chile is officially in Paris, after have visited the Netherlands and before starting a visit in Salvador. They had a meeting in the lobby of an hotel and talked a few minutes.

[Source : cooperativa.cl]

This week : Roland-Garros, Feña in the quarters in the singles & doubles !

[Roland-Garros 2009]

[Tournament website]

[Men’s singles]

1R : F. González df J. Vanek, 6/3 6/2 6/3

2R : F. González df R. Machado, 6/3 6/2 6/3

3R : F. González df J. Ouanna, 7/5 6/3 7/5

4R : F. González df Hanescu, 6/2 6/4 6/2

Next : González vs Murray

Head to Head : 1 – 1

Last meeting : 2006, US Open (Murray won)

[Photo Gallery updated ::15 photos]

[Men’s doubles]

1R : F. González/J. Acasuso df Huss/Hutchins, 6/4 6/2

2R : F. González/J. Acasuso df Garcia-Lopez/Roitman, 6/1 6/3

3R : F. González/J. Acasuso df M.Bupathi/M. Knowles, 7/5 4/6 6/4

Next : F. González/J. Acasuso vs Wesley Moodie/ Dick Norman

They play tomorrow, on court 1, third match 🙂

[Interviews 31.05]

[Video interview from Martin Rodriguez, Fernando’s coach]

F. GONZÁLEZ/V. Hanescu

6‑2, 6‑4, 6‑2

An interview with: FERNANDOGONZÁLEZ

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English, please.

Q. Once again, you played very good tennis. Would you say you’re playing your best tennis ever right now in Paris?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I think at the average I am. I may have more peaks sometimes playingmaybe huge match, and then play not really well at the next one.

I think this year I’vebeen playing in a really good level. So,I mean, I think I play good every match, almost every match. I’m enjoying every time I go on to the courtand every time I go into practice. Ithink that’s really important for me.

Q. Have you done something special preparing Roland Garros this year?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Not really. I play only two tournaments. Ihave an injury, went back home, get here not that early as I used to do it forthe Slams. Now I’ve been playing for toomany years, and I just need to adapt to the conditions where I’m going to play.

I got here on Wednesdayto play on Monday, and I have to adapt to the jet lag and everything.

Now I’m practicing less tennis, but, I mean,with more intensity. That’s reallyimportant.

Q. Couldyou tell us something about your injury, the circumstances? It was curious.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: It was curious. Let’s call it curious. (laughter.)

I was signing autographafter one of the matches in Rome. They called me from the other side of thecourt, and I went like running after the match and twist my ankle.

I went back to the locker room because itwas really painful. That’s how ithappened.

Q. You’vehad four straight‑set victories, playing very well. Is there a particular part of your game thatyou’re most pleased with so far, the one you’ve been playing here?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: I mean, I tried to win every point. That’s first point on everything.

And then I’m trying to,you know, not be risky if I don’t need it. Maybe I got a break, and then I can start to hit my huge shots. But now I try to play a little bitconservative sometimes.

When I have to use my shot, I use it,because I know I’m going to win the match with my forehand and my serve. I have to use it, anyway.

Q. Thatmore conservative approach…

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: If you can call it conservative.

Q. More patient, maybe?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yeah, more patience and ‑‑ I know I’mgetting old. I’m enjoying more if I run,you know. Normally few years ago Ididn’t like to run too much, and now I’m enjoying that part.

Q. Is any of that from your new coach?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: On tennis? Of course. Absolutely. He help me a lot. He knows me long time ago. We been practicing together. He was one of my best friends on the tour andin tennis.

But the way now that Ilike to run I think is by myself. I havea treadmill at home, and if I have nothing to do I just run a little bit.

But it’s really important, I mean, becausehe knows me a lot. Some days I practicehalf an hour, and the next day I practice two. Depends how the way ‑‑ I have to find the way to enjoy my job.

But I never feel that it’s a job,because for me always tennis is a game.

Q. Ithink your nickname is Mano de Piedra. Can you explain to us where that comes from?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: I have many. I like more when they call me Fenya.

Q. Which means?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Fenya is like Fernando in Chile. It’s more close to the people. Mano de Piedra was a boxer from Panama.

When he hits with theright, it was a knockout, normally.

For me, maybe can be a knockout for thecrowd, because sometimes they both go far away.

Q. You’vereached already twice the quarterfinals at the French Open.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Three, three times.

Q. Three times already at the French Open? What does that mean to be in the semifinals for the first time?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Means a lot, because I’m only one matchaway. It’s going to be tough forsure. But I’m really excited. I’ve been in the quarterfinals already a fewtimes. I’m looking forward, because Ihaven’t played too many hours and I played a good tennis.

I enjoy the way I’mplaying and really realize how to play in a big stadium. So hopefully I can win the next match.

Q. Was it from a very young age that you would hit such a big forehand, orwhen did you…

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Normally, always. Always I like to play that way. When I turned pro, I saw that I didn’t hitthe ball hard enough, so I try to hit it harder and harder.

And after a couple ofyears, I realize that I was one of the bigger hitters on the tour. So that’s why I hit the ball really hard.

THE MODERATOR: Spanish questions.

Q. You were solid on the court, and your backhand was good. You won many points. You were aggressive with your backhand. Now, of course your forehand isexcellent. Your serve is very solid. In general, you played well. Today we thought that you would use all theseshots. Did you expect more resistance?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, you know, it was a great match. I didn’t serve as well as the day before,unfortunately. I was losing some type ofpace. Apart from that, yes, all theother shots were really good shots for me.

When I’m on the courts,you see, I’m ready for all sorts of things. Of course, you want to win each point. But when I was there on the court, I felt I had the upper hand. I would control everything.

I was up 4‑0, and I saw I was about to winthe first set. Then I saw the matchwould continue a little, and I had to find another break.

Q. Itseemed in the past you didn’t feel that good, but today was better.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Yes, I could do what I wanted with myforehand and backhand. I have theimpression that perhaps you didn’t get my point. I was very happy in the past 20 or 30matches. My tennis style is good.

Sometimes in the past Ihad peaks and troughs and peaks and troughs; whereas now I’m more regular and Ipractice a lot.

Q. What about your feelings today? Do you feel the same, or do you think you have to change something?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: No, these are different feelings this year,because you see, this year I have not played long matches. Last year these were five‑set matches duringthe third round and it was very tiring.

But I always thinkabout the future, what’s going to happen next. What’s important is for me to feel that I’m fit, in great shape for thenext match.

Q. How can we compare your shape today with what you felt in 2007physically, and what about your tactics and technical shots?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, you see, the peak I reached was in Melbourne in 2007, andthat’s when really I felt I was floating. My level was extremely high, but I felt too good almost; whereas today Idon’t feel that good, even though my tennis is at a very high level.

So I’m quite ready tofinish the end of the year and the season of my career.

Q. Do you think that here during the French Open you can play a really nice tournament? Djokovic is out and you canprogress?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, you see, I want to progress. That’s true. But what really counts is perhaps not the past. The past is over. I want to focus more on the presenttime. I shouldn’t think too much aboutthe longer run.

All matches aredifficult, you see. And when you startthinking too much, that’s when it becomes tougher and tougher.

Q. (Off microphone.)

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, youknow, I always dream to do more. I haveobjectives in my mind. That’s true. I have dreams. I have objectives.

Q. Who would you like to play against? Is it Murray or Cilic?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, these two are really good players. They’ve played well already. I can tell you they’re going up. They’re climbing the mountain. As I say, we’ll see.

Well, this week I wasalways the favorite.

Q. Which one would you prefer?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I’ve not played against Murray for a whilenow. As far as Cilic is concerned ‑‑well, anyway, I don’t like choosing.

Q. What do you feel as you’re going to reach the semifinals? Do you feel fit? You’ve said you’ve already played against Murray.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, you know, I didn’t play for long hours,so it all depends on the opponent, if he’s played long matches or not.

With Murray, it’s going to be really tough. You know, he’s doing well, and hereeverybody’s going to try and win all matches. I think Murrayis No. 3, and he deserves it, I can tell you, so it’s going to be a difficultmatch.

Q. What do you think about the antidoping rule? Rafa criticized the system. And even his coach and his uncle, they askedthe players to think about boycotting the Olympic Games, not to turn up duringthe Olympic Games.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, it’s always difficult to changerules. You know, we keep on travelingall the time, so it’s very difficult to tell people where you’re going to beand when, where you’re going to be in the upcoming four months. Nobody really knows.

It’s maybe the case forus, the players, we keep on traveling. We have antidoping checks. Wehave nothing to fear. In other sports,maybe they have to be stricter. But asfar as tennis is concerned, you know, we’re all very clean as far as dope isconcerned, so we have nothing to fear.

You know, if you have to tell people whereyou are at every single minute, to me, that’s not something verypractical. I know for the other playersit’s not going to be easy, either.

Q. Hanescu said he thought you were really in good shape. Before that, you would make more unforced errors; whereas today you’remore self‑assured. You trust yourself.

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: More self‑confidence? Yes, I have gained trust. That’s true.

I’m more conservative and more prudent. I try to enjoy therallies when I run on the court. In the past I didn’t really enjoy this, and now I enjoy it very much when I can runmore.

Physically I feel really fit. He’s a good player, Hanescu. I played against him a long time ago. Nothing to do with the tennis he played today.

Q. Mentally,would you think about reaching the finals?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I’ve always dreamt about this. But reaching the finals, you know, is a longtime down the line. I’ll try and takeeach match as it comes. These are toughmatches. It’s always difficult toanticipate too much.

Q. What about your serves today? Ihave the impression it was really okay for you. You felt good when you were hitting the ball. Is it because you’re faster now? You have good footwork? Hanescu was fast on the court. Was that difficult for you?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I’ve played many matches here in RolandGarros. The conditions sometimes weretough today, but I felt good. I was atease.

He really hits thelines, and these are flat shots that he plays. When the ball bounces a lot, he was not really at ease. That gave me more confidence.

Q. What about your coach, Martin Rodriguez? What about the assets he gave you?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I feel calmer, more serene. I free up my game, if you will. I have a better backhand, and I enjoy the wayI played better than before. So I’veworked on all these aspects, and I’ve changed a number of things as far as mybackhand is concerned.

That’s when I realizedthat I’ve improved considerably. Thiscoach has been really excellent to me.

Q. Well, your coach said that the first thing is to dream about the semis,and then the draw was good for you, mainly for the third and fourth round. Would you share the same views with yourcoach? That is, the draw was good foryou. It was favorable. Is it something you decided to make the mostof?

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ: Well, I always feel fit, you see. I’m always ready for the next match. And this thing about the draw, good draw,poor draw, well, you see, sometimes it’s the other way around.

I had to play againstHanescu. Sometimes I played againstother players, as well, whom I defeated, as well. So, now, okay, I’m going to reachquarterfinals, and I think I can win the next match.

[Interviews 29.05]

1- After his third round victory on the French player, Ouanna

[Source : Yahoo]

2- Interview on French tv just after his victory

3- On the road to Roland-Garros (Eurosport)

4- Official interview after his third round (from Roland-Garros website)

F. GONZALEZ/J. Ouanna 7‑5, 6‑3, 7‑5

An interview with: FERNANDO GONZALEZ

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English first, please.

Q. When Ouanna started rallying in the third set, when he started raisinghis game, did you feel it  might force you to play a fourth or even a fifth set?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Yeah, I feel that the match was gettingcomplicated, because he was serving really good, and he’s a very goodathlete. He had a really good forehand,and it was tough. The ball was bouncing high and the wind moved the ball alittle bit. So I was feeling reallycomfortable in the court, but fortunately, I got the break after, and closedhim out in the first set.

Q. I think your favorite fruit is avocado; is that right?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: I like it.

Q. Did you eat some while playing at the French Open?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: I try, but it’s tough to find here in Paris, and normally in Chile, we eat a lot of avocados.

Q. I think you reach already the quarterfinals at the French Open. What are your expectations and would you bedisappointed if you don’t make it to the quarterfinals?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, I always feel ready to win the nextmatch. I feel prepared. I have a lot of confidence. I can go to the next round. But here in the French, you have to go day byday. It’s a long tournament and you haveto be ready for everything.

Q. The weather conditions were quite different from yesterday. It was relatively hot and sunny. Yesterday and the day before it was cold andrainy at times. Do you have anypreference?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Yeah, it’s been changing the past week. The first day it was really hot. It got a little bit cooler. Today it was windy. I don’t really care, because it’s the samething for both players.

Q. What do you think about your next opponent?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Any way, it’s going to be tough. They are playing. I hope they play a long match, becausethey’re playing really long points and that’s good for me.

I played Gil Simon twoyears ago maybe, three years ago? But ina different surface. He’s a differentplayer now. Against Hanescu I think Iplay maybe longer than that. Every timeit’s a different match here, especially in the Grand Slam when you have to playfive sets.

Q. Is it difficult to play against a French player here in Roland Garros?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Yeah, it’s tough, because they have the crowdsupporting. But, I mean, the crowd isreally correct, you know. I mean, ofcourse, they going to support him, but they have respect against other players.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Spanish.

Q. Well,today this match was a bit more difficult than usual. Was it due to the opponent or the wind orsomething else?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, a bit of everything. It was a complicated match. The people here, the players who are here,play Grand Slam matches. They reach this level because they’re really goodplayers. The good thing is that I hadthe upper hand from the beginning of the match, and, you know, as you said, itwas rather hard. The score was 3‑0, andthen it was more complex.

But anyway, I won.

Q. What was the most difficult thing for you in your opponent?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, he serves really well. He’s an athlete. He really is good at hitting the ball so thatit bounces really high, and he would smash very hard. The most complex thing was his service.

Q. I think you didn’t know him before. Was that an extra difficulty?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Yes, absolutely. If you know the players, it’s easier, becauseyou know them a little. But, you know, Iknew he had nothing to lose, which was why it was complex. He was lessstressed, and therefore, he could let go and hit the balls really strongly. I saw him play against Safin, and I saw hecould serve really well.

Q. How did you manage to adapt to his game?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, you know, the most important thing isto win the match at the end of the day. Today what I did was not that smart, not that clever. The weather conditions were not ideal forme. Yet I think I’m on the right tracks,and I could play even better in the future.

Q. You’ve said something about Simon. You’ve played against him I think in 2003 and 2004. Now you’ve played also against Hanescu. Can you tell us about these matches?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, it was a long time ago. Time has gone by, so there’s nothing much Ican say about their games. I know thatboth players play really well, and as far as Simon is concerned, he is at home.

As to Hanescu, I don’tknow anything about his rankings, but he’s dangerous. I think he’s harvested a number of good results here in Paris, and Hanescu is very constant. He wants to have many matches under his belt,and he plays better by the day.

Q. Now, only three Latin American players in the third round, twoArgentinians and you. How come? Usually South Americahas good performances.

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, yes. This is rare. Usually LatinAmerica does better, but yesterday I saw that Monaco lost. I know that his draw was really verydifficult, but, you know, playing against the player he played against issomething I wouldn’t want to do.

And Juan Martin, I sawhim play Juan Martin Del Potro. I hope that will continue, Del Potro andmyself.

Q. Now, in the past, there were more Argentinians, more people from South America. Doyou think that there is going to be a change? Because that’s the old generation, to some extent. Maybe there’s going to be a new generation. Is it the end of the generation of SouthAmerican players? Do you think the timehas come for the new players to emerge?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, we will see with time, and when we lookat results, as well. Of course, we’llhave no players from South America. It’s normal. You know, I know I’ve gone beyond my age average, if I can use theexpression. Well, David was to undergosurgical operation. Well, we’ll see withtime when we look at the results, of course. There’s no point in speculating. We’ll see with time.

Q. Now, it’s almost week No. 2. Howdo you feel physically? Now, these willbe the most essential matches to be played.

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: I feel good physically. The good thing is that so far I have notplayed any long matches, which is something good for me in the tournament. I really feel I want to win. I’ve not played for too many hours. I’m very satisfied. These matches are short matches that I’veplayed, so this is good, very important.

Q. Do you think you can still improve your game?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Well, of course. I always think about this. I always think I could improve day in and dayout, even though I know I can play well.

Q. Do you think you’re playing your best tennis today?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: No, not yet. Not yet. I can stillimprove. I can still improve. I played well, though.

I think I could haveplayed even better today, but the conditions were not my conditions. I can do better than this.

Commercials with Fernando

[VTR campaing for secure internet]

[VTR commercial]

The  Chilean tennis player sends a clear message of prevention to parents, children and adolescents.

VTR today sent a new campaign of Social Responsibility that it looks for to sensitize the parents and to educate the children and adolescents in good practices for a Safe Internet.

The campaign consists of two different televising spots, with as a protagonist the tennis player Fernando González, after a successful  first stage of the initiative in 2008.

The first spot shows how the children can enter in the web sites that they are not for their age, since “Internet does not discriminate”, after which González invites the parents to inquire and to supervise the navigation of their children. The second spot is directed to adolescents whom they have like habit “to raise” the personal photos and something provocative the Web, with the risks that it implies. In this audio-visual one, the tennis player notices a young girl who thinks before posting. “Once you posted your photo  on the Internet, you cannot take it back ; it remains there for always”, notices the bombardero.

Effectiveness of the message of González

Safe program Internet of VTR was sent in August of the 2008, with a Manual of Recommendations anti Grooming and Ciberbullying, an educative Web site, to char them in schools, a system of blockade of infantile pornography in the network and with a massive campaign also led by Fernando González.  In the televising spot and also in all the graphical supports – that they included until the VTR- light trucks, González  advised to the children: “Don’t chat with strangers” and “you do not give your data to strangers”.

Roland-Garros : Life on tour with Fernando

[From the Roland Garros Website]

Joining the ATP or WTA circuit is something akin to embarking on an endless world tour. Rolandgarros.com asked some of tennis’s major stars for an insight into their life as a perennial sporting backpacker. Today we chat to No12 seed, Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez, who faces Portugal’s Rui Machado in the second round on Wednesday.

Which is the most relaxing city on tour?

Bora Bora in Tahiti. I went there for a week’s holiday and it was amazingly calm.

Which cities have the worst traffic jams?

New York and Beijing, but the worst of the two is New York.

In which city would you most like to buy a house? San Diego.

Name an amazing place you’ve visited ? The Great Wall of China.

Where are the best beaches? Again Bora Bora in Tahiti. It’s a magical place.

Where is your favourite restaurant? I can’t remember its name, but it’s in Rome in Italy.

What is the worst thing about travelling? Airports and checking-in. It gets worse every time.

Which is the friendliest country to visit? China.

Who are your travelling companions? My coach and my fitness trainer.

Tell us one thing you would change about the circuit ? I’d love to be able to sleep in my own house more often!

Who are the most supportive spectators? The Chileans.

Where are the most knowledgeable spectators? Here in Paris, by far.

Corazón de campeón back :-))

After one year on hiatus, I have decided to work again on this blog dedicated to our favourite player, Fernando González. I’m back from Roland-Garros where I spent 6 great days watching Fernando at the practrice and at his matches. I would have loved to continue but unfortunately, good things have to stop and I have to go back to work 😦

The blog will be updated as often as possible depending on Fernando’s schedule.

Please check in the coming days, the photos’ section with the exclusive pics from Roland-Garros.

Don’t hesitate to post comments and suggestions,

Vamos Fernando 🙂

Valéria, the webmaster

Blog on hiatus, back soon

As you noticed the blog is on hiatus since one year. It’s not because I stopped to support Fernando, it’s just that I didn’t have the time to update it.

I think seriously to update again the blog, so continue to check the blog.

At the moment, I attend to Roland-Garros, I wish Fernando the best 🙂

Vamos !!

Next : Roland-Garros

[Tournament website]

Fernando will start the tournament far in the ranking (he’s at the moment ranked # 22) but he should be seeded.

I’ll be there from saturday (Benny Berthet day) to Friday included. I hope I’ll have the chance to see Fernando practrice and play. I’ll post report and pictures as usual 🙂

MS Roma : 2 matches and injury :-(

After his victory in Munich, Fernando flew directly to Roma. He only had one day off and he played his first match against Tipsarevic against whom he won in 3 sets 3-6 7-6(7) 7-6(6), then, he had to face Korolev, he won in straights sets 6-3 6-2. Unfortunately, in this match, he got injured and had to withdraw for this third match against Almagro. Fernando made the right choice because his main goal is to play well in Roland-Garros starting at the end of next week.

Fernando flew back to Chile, withdrew from Hamburg, but the news are good and Fernando will participate finally in Roland-Garros :-))