Berdych storms into first slam final
Source: Agencies |
July 3, 2010, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
TOMAS Berdych swept Novak Djokovic in straight sets at Wimbledon yesterday to reach his first grand slam final.
The 12th-seeded Czech, who upset six-time champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, kept up his sparkling run with a 6-3, 7-6 (9), 6-3 win over the third-ranked Serb on Centre Court.
Berdych's opponent in tomorrow's final in London will be the winner of the second semifinal between Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
The 24-year-old Berdych is the first Czech to reach the men's final at the All England Club since Ivan Lendl in 1987. The only Czech to win the men's title was Jan Kodes in 1973.
"The feeling is absolutely amazing. It is really tough to describe," Berdych said. "Every young kid, from the first time he hits the ball and thinks to be a tennis player, this is the dream to be in the final of any grand slam. This is definitely the biggest tournament for me."
Berdych dictated most of the play with his big first serves and punishing forehand and seized command of the match by winning a dramatic second-set tiebreaker.
Berdych lost serve just once in 16 games and broke Djokovic three times. The Czech had 11 aces, 34 winners and 17 unforced errors.
It was Berdych's first win over Djokovic after two defeats. Djokovic, winner of the 2008 Australian Open, fell short in his bid to reach a third grand slam final.
The 70-minute second set was a mini-match in itself featuring some spectacular points, controversial calls, sudden changes in momentum and saved set points by both players in a rollercoaster tiebreaker.
Djokovic's hopes of a comeback were effectively dashed when he double-faulted to lose it 11-9 after Berdych had let slip a 6-2 lead.
After saving the first three set points, Djokovic served at 5-6. He played tremendous defense on a rally of 23 strokes. Berdych hit a forehand and came to the net, and Djokovic flipped a lob that landed at the baseline but was called out. Berdych let up and casually hit the ball with his back to the net.
The video replay showed the shot was good, and chair umpire Carlos Ramos of Portugal ordered the point replayed. "What do you mean?!" Djokovic screamed at him, thinking he should be awarded the point. He protested only briefly, then won the replayed point with a backhand winner for 6-all.
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