Fernando Gonzalez has told local press that he might pull out of Indian Wells next week in order to raise money to help his nation’s earthquake victims.
“What I want is to help, and I'm looking at the possibility of not going to play at Indian Wells and to stay in Chile to help,” said Gonzalez from Coquimbo, the site of Chile’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Israel.
“I have several ideas and in a couple of weeks I'll try to do something to generate resources. I want to send a message of hope to all of Chile. What does not kill strengthens. I have received many messages from my colleagues, including Roger Federer, who is very concerned about what happened in Chile. I hope that we pull through this.”
The Chilean No. 1 has also appeared in a video requesting donations for the relief effort:
Gonzalez had to undertake a long journey back to his country from the tournament in Acapulco, travelling through Miami, Lima, Tacna, Arica and Iquique before reaching the Chilean capital of Santiago.
He also issued a plea to his countrymen to stop the looting. "There are more important things than to go looting, we should all be united," said Gonzalez, adding that he will try to raise Chilean spirits by leading them to a Davis Cup victory. “I hope to win and so give a little joy to our country is suffering so much."
The Chilean press reports that due to a telethon for earthquake victims, that the first day of the Chile-Israel Davis Cup tie, which has now been rescheduled to start on Saturday, won’t be televised.