Berdych Remains Untouchable
After beating the six-time champion Roger Federer in the previous round with recorded a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 score, Tomas Berdych also claimed victory over Novak Djokovic in straight sets at Centre Court at this year’s Wimbledon to reach his first Grand Slam tennis final. Berdych, the first Czech to reach the Wimbledon final, will soon face Rafael Nadal of Spain.
"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."
Throughout the match, the 24 year old Czech was in control, with Djokovic challenging him the most in the second set. Losing his serve only once in16 games, Berdych broke Djokovic three times. Berdych hit 11 aces, 34 winners, and only committed 17 unforced errors throughout the entire match.
"I wasn't going for the shots enough and I was kind of waiting for him to make the mistake," said the Serbian player, Djokovic, about his game. "I was wrong. When I had the opportunities, I didn't use them. In important moments, I served some double-faults. I was a little bit unfortunate in some points but I definitely didn't take my chances and he did, so he deserved it."
During Friday's match, the 12th seeded Berdych was serving when Djokovic broke him for the first time in the match and set up a tiebreaker. The Serbian then hit a double fault to go down 6-2, giving his opponent four set points. Djokovic then saved three set-points in a row to serve at 5-6. The next rally lasted 23 hits, at which point Novak set up two set points for himself, but failed to convert. Berdych earned himself a set point at 10-9 with Djokovic serving, and finally converted when Novak hit two serves outside the square. However, Berdych won the final set based on his second match point.
"He was just a better player today on the court," said Djokovic, who had won the previous two meetings between the players.
This has been a breakthrough year for Berdych. He reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open six weeks ago, and now it seems as though he is unstoppable and has a good chance of winning the final and taking home the Wimbledon title.
"The feeling is absolutely amazing," said Berdych in a televised interview. "Another victory, over Novak Djokovic, who is a great player."
Djokovic lost to Berdych for the first time after defeating him twice in two previous matches. Berdych was a semi-finalist at the French Open last month and reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2007. Berdych showed his true strengths and talent on the court when he beat defending champion and top-seeded player Roger Federer in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Speaking before he knew who he would be facing, Berdych said: "After my last two wins it would be bad if I say I fear anybody from now on, so I'm looking forward to the next one.
Nadal and Berdych will meet during the finals for the 11th time, with the number one seeded Spaniard holding a 7-3 lead in their tennis career. Nadal previously beat Berdych at Indian Wells this year and he also beat Berdych in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2007.
"It's a great feeling to be in my first grand slam final but I'm not done yet. One more to go," said Berdych.
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