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Beaten Blake launches verbal attack
China Daily
Updated: 2008-08-16 09:12
James Blake launched a withering verbal volley at Fernando Gonzalez Friday, accusing him of acting against the spirit of the Olympics after losing to the Chilean in an acrimonious men's singles quarterfinal during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games tennis tournament.
The 28-year-old American was convinced Gonzalez, a doubles gold medalist in Athens, had robbed him of a point with unsporting behavior near the end of a gripping contest that lasted nearly three hours.
With Blake leading 9-8 in the decider he hit a fierce forehand toward Gonzalez at the net. The ball landed out but Blake was convinced it touched his opponent's racket.
James Blake of the US reacts after losing a point to Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in their men's singles semi-final tennis match during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 15, 2008. Gonzalez won 4-6, 7-5, 11-9. [Agencies] |
Eighth seed Blake, who could still end up with a bronze medal, had a lengthy debate with Brazilian chair umpire Carlos Bernardes who awarded the point to Gonzalez.
"Playing in the Olympics, in what's supposed to be considered a gentleman's sport, that's a time to call it on yourself," Blake, who lost 4-6, 7-5, 11-9 after holding three match points, told reporters.
"Fernando looked me square in the eye and didn't call it. If it had happened the other way, I never would have finished the match because my father would have pulled me off the court.
"We know when it touches us. And he knew that. So that's where it comes into calling it on yourself. Should I expect him to do that? Maybe not.
"It's a disappointing way to exit the tournament when you not only lose the match, but you lose a little faith in your fellow competitor."
Gonzalez played down the incident later saying he had been so tired that he was unaware whether the ball had touched his racket or not, although television replays suggested that Blake had a legitimate gripe.
Agencies