Tomas Berdych defeats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in semi-final – China Open 2011
Number three seed Tomas Berdych made it to the final of 2011 China Open with a superb 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory over world number seven, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, here at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing, China. Berdych served
brilliantly in a match that lasted for 2 hours and 6 minutes on the blue surface.
Although he lost his concentration a bit in second set of the match, he came back strongly to wrap up the proceedings in third and final set of the match. Hitting 8 serve aces during the contest, he fought fire with fire. Claiming
88 per cent of the points on his service games, he displayed some high quality ground tennis play. Saving potential break points against himself, he was determined not to give anything away.
Tsonga was not patient and he paid the ultimate price. Trying too hard to break his opponent, he committed a large number of unforced errors in the process. Although he served with control and accuracy, he proved to be no match
to Berdych in rallies. Saving only three out nine break points in the match, his defence also looked a bit out of shape.
Berdych took complete advantage of the situation as he made his opponent run for his money by making three breaks of serve in the match. Dropping only a single service game, he dented Tsonga’s confidence levels. Ranked 10th in
the Association of Tennis Professionals tournament, Berdych will be hoping to continue his impressive form in the final match-up as well, where he takes on the inform Marin Cilic.
"The chance was here. I'm happy to take this chance to be in the final," said the third-seeded Berdych, who progressed to his first final of the season.
"This match could really change my season from a good season to a really good season," He further added.
Berdych had terrific start to the match as he took Tsonga under pressure with a very strong opening service game. Both players held on to their first four service games as the game score evened at 4-4. Berdych took 5-4 lead by
holding his serve game and then he broke Tsonga at a very crucial stage to clinch the first set 6-4.
Tsonga bounced back really well in the following set and he made his only serve break of the match to force the match into a decider. However, Berdych seemed to be at an entire new level as he broke the Frenchman twice to complete
an emphatic victory.
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