Berdych Looks Hungry

Berdych Looks Hungry

For the top ranked tour players, the rise of Tomas Berdych spells trouble. Always regarded as one of the most talented players on tour, Berdych has finally become comfortable with himself and with competing on the big stage. As Roger Federer knows all too well, there is no bigger stage than the All England Club’s magical Centre Court.

That is the venue where Tomas Berdych chose to win the biggest match of his career. The Czech’s cozy 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 two hour 31 minute quarterfinal triumph over the tournament’s top seed, Roger Federer, was a monumental upset.

Berdych improved his record against Federer to 3-8 but has now won the last two times the pair has played. Berdych also beat Roger in a three set match in March on the hard court at Miami.

Federer possesses six Wimbledon titles, but the Czech’s victory was not totally unanticipated. Federer recently lost on grass to Lleyton Hewitt in Halle, Germany. The loss was the first in the last 16 times the pair has met. On top of the Hewitt upset, Federer was pushed to five sets in the first round at Wimbledon by Colombia’s Alejandro Falla. In the second round, Federer was pressed by Ilija Bozoljac, another relatively unknown player. The whispers could be heard from way out on Court 18 to the top of Henman Hill.

After a strong 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 smothering of German Jurgen Melzer, Federer seemed to have gained strength over the weekend. Meanwhile, Berdych was pushed harder than expected in a four set win over German Daniel Brand.

On Wednesday, Federer cruised through the first set, gaining the key break in the ninth game. In the past, the Czech has been unable to control his temperament. Against the game’s best grass court player, Berdych hung tough. Berdych gained an early break in set two and held two hotly contested service games of his own before sealing the set. Federer appeared shocked and began to squander opportunities, missing a number of high-risk ground strokes.

Committing just three unforced errors in the first set, the Swiss stroked 18 errors the rest of the way. In the third set, everything went Berdych’s way. The Czech had the defending champion of the run and did not ease up.

Many of Federer’s opponents play well but when on the verge of victory seem to lose confidence. Berdych was not content to simply reach the quarters. He wanted the win. Gaining another early break in the fourth set, the Czech withstood pressure from the Swiss in serving out the set.

Tomas will meet 3rd seeded Nova Djokovic in the semis. For Federer, the loss drops the Swiss to number three in the rankings.

Djokovic Smothers Lu

Djokovic Smothers Lu

Taipei’s Yen-Hsung Lu overcame one of the game’s best servers in Andy Roddick in the round of sixteen, but the 82nd ranked tour player ran into a wall of reality in the quarters. Soon to be ranked number two, Novak Djokovic made fast work of Lu.

Relying on his monstrous serve, Djokovic held Lu at bay. While recording just 4 aces, the Serb constantly moved Lu wide off the court and then followed with easy down the line winners. Novak hit 29 outright winners to Lu’s 13.

The one hour 50 minute thrashing was one of the easier matches Djokovic has enjoyed. After a nearly four hour opening round five setter with Belgium’s Oliver Rochus, Djokovic has only lost one set since.

Lu will leave with some disappointment but staked his claim to be the first Asian to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal in 15 years. The 29-year old will break into the top fifty for the first time in his career.

Nadal Moves Past Heavy-Footed Soderling

Nadal Moves Past Heavy-Footed Soderling

Robin Soderling has been brilliant for the first four rounds at this year’s Wimbledon. Even when not at his best, The Swede was courageous, as he had needed to be in five sets against tough Spaniard David Ferrer in the round of sixteen.

On Wednesday, Soderling ran into a freight train in the form of another savvy Spaniard, the game’s best player, Rafael Nadal. Undeterred, Soderling got out of the starting gate quickly, racing to a 5-0 lead in the first set. As he always does, the left handed number two seed slowly gained some traction.

After losing the first set, Nadal began to capitalize on Soderling’s lack of foot speed and surged to the 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-1 victory. In the big points, Soderling often tried to move around his backhand but was then left exposed to the ball-hawking Nadal.

Nadal upped his record to 5-2 against Soderling and showed the hard hitting Swede that some time on agility drills was very much needed. In the third set, Soderling was broken in the fifth game but courageously broke back with Nadal serving for the set at 5-4. After dropping the tiebreaker, the Swede was unable to mount resistance in the final set.

Nadal will now move on to face hometown favorite, Andy Murray. Rafa holds a 7-3 advantage over the Scotsman.

Murray Dismantles Tsonga

Murray Dismantles Tsonga

Andy Murray has attributed some of his success to the media’s focus on the dismal performance by Britain’s soccer team. Usually at Wimbledon, the media is al over the much maligned star. Now, the fourth seeded red head looks like the best game in town.

In their quarterfinal match, Jo Willy Tsonga could not match Murray’s speed or deft touch. Tsonga grabbed the first set win and seemed to have the momentum with his heavy serve and big forehand. But, Murray came back at the Frenchman.

The Scot began to move into the court to cut off Jo Willy’s serves. This strategy unnerved the 10th seed, who was soon fighting for every service point in the 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-2 match.

In the tense second set, Murray was in position to fold on several occasions. In these pressure-packed moments, Murray has often faltered in the past. This time, the 23 year old rose to the pressure and played some brilliant shots that seemed to surprise the athletic Frenchman.

At 5-4 in the tiebreaker, Tsonga, thinking the ball was long, allowed a soft lob to pass. When the ball landed in, the momentum and flow of the match changed. Murray became the aggressor, hitting 57 outright winners and 17 aces to dominate Jo Willy in two 6-2, 46 minute sets.

Murray reached the finals in Melbourne but given the venue, Murray’s semifinal match against Nadal will be the biggest match in the Scot’s career. The winner will be favored to win the championship. If Murray wins his first Grand Slam, he may very well have the hopeless Brit soccer team to thank for it.

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