Tomas Berdych ousts Teymuraz Gabashvili; moves into quarterfinals – SkiStar Swedish Open 2011
Three action packed second round men’s singles matches were played on the very damp courts at Bastad, this Wednesday. The day saw some of the bigger stars in the Swedish Open flex their muscles for the first time during this tournament’s
course, much to the delight of their fans. The results weren’t unexpected as all the top seeded contestants managed to score victories for themselves.
The third seed Czech Tomas Berdych; currently world No. 8 proved true to his mettle and easily overpowered the Russian opponent, Teymuraz Gabashvili, in a two set victory and advanced to the quarter finals. This was the first time
that the two players have met in the courts.
Berdych has already made it to the finals of the Swedish Open twice in the past, against Rafael Nadal in 2005 and against Tommy Robredo in 2008. Debutant Gabashvili, ranked at 138 had moved up the ladder by beating special exempt
Michael Yani in his opening match.
Play began late in the day after being re-scheduled several times due to rain with Berdych securing a lead right from the beginning. He ably broke Gabashvili twice from three opportunities, effectively curtailing his opponent to
just 13 (against his 20) service points during the set. Gabashvili was unable to save almost 67% of his breakpoints and the set ended with the scoreboard at 6-2 in Berdych’s account.
Similarly the second set too went to Berdych who again secured a 6-2 win. Berdych fully utilized his trademark massive serve and grabbed a staggering 6 aces. He won 11 of his 15 service points, securing 74% of his service points.
Gabashvili managed a dismal 52% service points. To completely cripple his already struggling opponent, Berdych converted two of his three break points and went on to win the set and the match.
Speaking to the media at the end of the match, Berdych admitted, “It was tough conditions out there, quite wet and heavy balls.” But he also said that he thought that his performance had been adequate and that he is all set for
more matches. “It was good to spend some energy on the court. It’s a tough transition to be back on clay after grass, probably the toughest transition of the year.”
Berdych who will now compete with either sixth seed Juan Monaco or Blaz Kavcic, depending upon their match’s results, has had a steady season so far this year. Despite his inability to perform especially well at Grand Slam, the
Czech has managed to reach a number of quarter finals this year – namely those at Miami, Madrid and Rome.
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