Fernando Gonzalez and the rest of the Chilean Davis Cup team gave their nation something to cheer about after waltzing past Israel 4-1. Nicknamed “El Bombardero” at home, Gonzalez took down Dudi Sela 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to seal the tie.
“The important thing was to win, whichever way,” Gonzalez said. “We are very happy with this victory, and we hope it brings a little joy to Chile and to the victims of the earthquake that must receive our support and feel that they are being helped.”
Gonzalez is skipping Indian Wells to visit places that were affected by the earthquake with the Chilean-based charity “Hogar de Cristo.”
He’s planning on returning to play in Miami, although he says he’s contending with a knee injury.
Chile will take on the Czech Republic at home in July. “It’s going to be really tough," Gonzalez said. "I know them very well, it’s a team I respect very much and it will be not easy to face them. But if we all are well, we may beat them."