Blake fury with Gonzalez in racquet row

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — US number one James Blake said he had "lost a little faith" in Chile's Fernando Gonzalez as a furious row erupted over their Olympic semi-final on Friday.

Blake said Gonzalez knowingly touched a fast-moving ball which went out with his racquet, unnoticed by the umpire, and would not admit it afterwards.

The Chilean 2004 bronze-medallist won the marathon match 4-6, 7-5, 11-9 to guarantee himself a second successive medal.

"Playing in the Olympics, in what's supposed to be considered a gentleman's sport, that's a time to call it on yourself. Fernando looked me square in the eye and didn't call it," Blake said.

"That's a disappointing way to exit the tournament when you not only lose the match, but you lose a little faith in your fellow...