• Davis Cup

Gonzalez pays tribute to earthquake victims after victory

ESPN staff
March 9, 2010
Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolas Massu secured Chile's place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals © Getty Images
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Chile's Fernando Gonzalez dedicated his Davis Cup victory to the victims of the earthquake that killed at least 800 people.

The world No. 10 sealed the victory over Israel, beating Dudi Sela 6-4 6-4 6-3 in the fourth rubber on Monday after the tie in Coquimbo had been postponed by a day in the aftermath of the earthquake which struck central and southern Chile on February 28.

Gonzalez hit 38 winners against the world No. 72, who he lost to in the Davis Cup three years ago, to give Chile an unassailable 3-1 lead. Jorge Aguilar put the icing on the cake, defeating Harel Levy 7-6(3) 6-1 in the final rubber.

"The important thing was to win, whichever the way," said Gonzalez. "We are very happy with this victory, and we hope it is something to get happy about, even if it's small happiness, for all the people affected by the earthquake."

Chile will face Czech Republic in the quarter-finals in July for a place in the semi-finals against either Croatia or Serbia.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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