Gonzalez Expresses Sadness Over Chilean Earthquake

Chile’s top tennis player, World No. 10 Fernando Gonzalez, has been attempting to return to his home country following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck early Saturday morning.

The Santiago native, who played a semi-final match Friday night at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, posted the following message Sunday on his official web site:

“Hello friends:

“I was watching TV and I found out about the earthquake. I’m so sad for the victims and families. I’m at Mexico City. This night I’ll fly to Lima to try to get a new flight to Santiago.

“Thank God I could talk with my family after the earthquake. I watched TV all the time and I’m so sad with the news. It’s tough I can’t be in Chile. I’m praying. I would like to help with the reconstruction of my country.

“I hope to see them again as soon as possible.

“A big hug for everyone and ¡Fuerza Chile!”

Gonzalez and the Chilean Davis Cup squad are scheduled to host Israel in first round World Group action beginning Friday in the northern port town of Coquimbo.