James Blake rips Gonzalez after loss

[SBR Lou]

The incident that upset Blake occurred with Gonzalez serving at 8-9 in the final set. On the first point, Blake hit a backhand passing shot long but contended the ball ticked Gonzalez’s racket before landing, as TV replays confirmed.

Blake appealed in vain to the chair umpire, and said Gonzalez should have conceded the point. Blake went on to lose the game to make it 9-all.

“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 said. “Fernando looked me square in the eye and didn’t call it.”

“I didn’t feel anything,” Gonzalez said. “I mean, it’s just one point. There is an umpire. If I’m 100 percent sure about it, I mean, I will give it. But I’m not sure.”

Didn't see this live, but

[BuddyBear]

Blake probably realizes that this was his final shot to win something big. He won't ever win a grand slam or even a TMS event. This was it for Blake and he knew he blew it.

Something i've noticed and somebody should verify this for me. Whenever someone has beat Federer this year (not named Nadal or Djokovic), he proceeds to lose the very next match and is almost always favored.

Anyone know off hand?

[EaglesPhan36]

Too lazy to do them all BB, but last couple:

*Lost to Karlovic in Cincy. Karlovic beat Kohlschreiber in the next round.
*Lost to Simon in Toronto. Simon beat Acasuso next round.
*Lost to Stepanek in Rome. Stepanek retired in his next match.
*Lost to Roddick in Miami. Lost to Davydenko in next round.

I think Karlovic & Simon were favored. Stepanek not because he was up against Djokovic & not sure with Roddick-Davydenko, but probably favored.

[HeeeHAWWWW]

Roddick got injured against DonkeyDavy I think.
Karlovic/Simon were really on career hot streaks.
Stepanek was on great form.


My point being: Federer may not be at his best, but he's been a little unfortunate in meeting lesser players on fire at the time (same with Mardy Fish in IW).

[daggerkobe]

Oh gawd...... when will you Federer apologists ever learn?

He's WASHED UP.

[daggerkobe]

And yeah Gonzo should've conceded that point. Can't tell me someone that's been playing tennis for 20 years does not know when a tennis ball hits his racket.

Black eye on tennis sportsmanship, just like when Henin called timeout vs. Queen Bootay but wouldn't cop to it after she served in to the net. Or when Mary Pierce abused the injury timeout to get a full body rubdown because she was getting her ass kicked by Dementieva at the US Open....... all big black eyes. And fans will never forget!!!!!!!!!!

Say what you will about Agassi, but I remember one time when he conceded a point to Michael Chang even though he won it because Chang kept arguing and wouldn't let it go. True gentleman of the sport.

[woodg8]

I saw the incident when it happened, it was pretty bad sportsmanship from Gonzalez, but you don't expect Blake to come out and whine like a bitch

[raydog]

I saw the incident when it happened, it was pretty bad sportsmanship from Gonzalez, but you don't expect Blake to come out and whine like a bitch

how was it bad sportsmanship??? the judge made the call, it was a bad one, but gonzalez isnt responsible for saying a word. its 3rd set tiebreak to play for an olympic medal. im not saying a fuking word either. its the judges call. blake should be bitching and throwing a fit about the shiity judge, not the player. be an advocate for more instant replay or challenges instead of bitching at your opponent for not overturning a bad call.

[woodg8]

how was it bad sportsmanship??? the judge made the call, it was a bad one, but gonzalez isnt responsible for saying a word. its 3rd set tiebreak to play for an olympic medal. im not saying a fuking word either. its the judges call. blake should be bitching and throwing a fit about the shiity judge, not the player. be an advocate for more instant replay or challenges instead of bitching at your opponent for not overturning a bad call.

Then you're a bad sportsman yourself

[Dark Horse]

With all the flopping in the NBA and diving in soccer, people have a problem with Gonzalez for not correcting the umpire on a crucial point in the game. Talk about double standards.

If Blake would take a good look in the mirror, he might notice a far greater lack of class than what he's seeing in Gonzalez.

Anyway, the gold medal isn't even gold. It's gilded. lol

[nadalbg]

Blake probably realizes that this was his final shot to win something big. He won't ever win a grand slam or even a TMS event. This was it for Blake and he knew he blew it.

Something i've noticed and somebody should verify this for me. Whenever someone has beat Federer this year (not named Nadal or Djokovic), he proceeds to lose the very next match and is almost always favored.

Anyone know off hand?

Maybe we talk about too much self believe after such win. Or celebrations all night...
Because for these players such a win is something so big. For Nadal and Djokovic is not the same, for them beating Federer is something regular.
Maybe bettors should concentrate on that everyone lose after beating Fed.

[Barishnikov]

It's hard to tell if the ball really hit the racket.