Tennis Player Hit by Bottle

Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez was hit in the head by a plastic bottle of mineral water thrown by a fan after a victory in a Davis Cup doubles match against Venezuela on Sunday.

Gonzalez, 14th in the world in the ATP Tour rankings, said he felt faint after being hit but went on to defeat Jose Antonio de Armas in a singles match later Sunday.

“Fortunately, it was just a big fright. I felt dizzy at the start but nothing more,” Gonzalez said. “It’s sad that because of a couple of people such a nice crowd’s image is tarnished.”

Police detained a man in connection with Gonzalez being hit.

Gonzalez angered the Venezuelan fans by calling for silence after he and Hermes Gamonal defeated de Armas and Kepler Orellana, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4, in an America Zone Group 1 qualifying match.

“I’m very ashamed for what happened, but I’m happy for the great sporting spirit that prevailed in the end,” Venezuela team captain Alfonso Mora said.