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Gonzalez developed a reputation for disputing calls with officials.
By now, Richard Gonzalez was known everywhere as the best tennis player in the world. In addition to his reputation for great tennis, he had developed a reputation for his personality.
When Gonzalez first stepped into the public spotlight, he had been described as charismatic and confident. But as the years progressed, some people came to see this self-assurance as conceit.
These people’s opinion was not improved by Gonzalez’s curt treatment of his fans. He regularly refused to sign autographs before matches, making some of them feel he was mean-spirited and haughty.
Gonzalez defended his actions by saying that he had to conserve his energy for competition. Besides, he said, he was usually preoccupied with tactical thoughts before his matches. But Gonzalez did sign autographs after many matches-especially victorious ones.
Gonzalez was also criticized for the outspoken manner in which he questioned line-calls with which he disagreed. He became known for the icy glares and sarcastic remarks he directed at officials. For example, after a call went against him, he would turn to the crowd and ask, “Is there an eye doctor about?”
Gonzalez believed that letting his emotions out was…