Tomas-Berdych.net

Well it's a better draw for Wimbledon than for the French Open last month in Paris (lost to Gael Monfils in first round). Tomas will open against in-form Martin Klizan. It's a first meeting on the Grand Tour but Tomas already beat the Slovak at Prostejov Challenger in his hometown. It was on clay. Good Luck Tomas.

H2H Tomas Berdych vs Martin Klizan

Order of Play - Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tomas in action against Martin Klizan

oops Tomas… he did it again *testing grass*

gif File Size: 1.02 Mo  - 300 x 180

Chair umpire is Carlos Ramos, Tomas' parents are in London, girlfriend Ester is modelling in Madrid

2010 runner-up Tomas Berdych through in straight sets

by Darren Saligari

Tuesday 25 June 2013

After a surprise loss in the opening round of Roland Garros, Tomas Berdych changed his travel plans and headed for London earlier than first planned.

Determined to avoid a similar fate at The Championships, Berdych used the extra time to hone his grass court game and it paid off with the Czech defeating Slovakia’s Martin Klizan in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

In Paris Berdych was unlucky to be drawn to play the unseeded but dangerous Frenchman Gael Monfils, here it was another flashy shotmaker in Klizan who he had to overcome.

A world away from his beloved clay, 23-year-old Klizan looked more than comfortable on the grass at Wimbledon as he kept pace with seventh seed Berdych in the opening set.

The first break didn’t come until the eighth game when a string of unforced errors from Klizan undid his earlier good work. It was all the ice-cool Czech needed as he served out the first set shortly after.

The second set saw Berdych grab an early break and seemingly control of the match. Klizan appeared frustrated – he was simply making too many errors to put pressure on his opponent and he knew it.

But down a set and a break, mid-way through the second set Klizan threw caution to the wind and started to go for everything. Big forehands, withering backhands and a wristy but impeccably weighted drop shot that confounded Berdych but drew a round of “oohs” from the crowd.

Klizan’s adventurous play caught the attention of not only Berdych but also the fans who rallied behind. Capable of ferocious tennis, Klizan is exciting to watch when his game is on.

“He’s a very talented and aggressive player, so I’m happy to make it in three sets,” said a relieved Berdych after the match.

Sadly for the Slovakian, he pushed his luck a little too much. He overplayed the drop shot at times and on the occasions when he didn’t get it just right, Berdych would pummel each errant short ball for a winner.

Berdych meanwhile was doing most things right. He won a remarkable 92 per cent of first serves and offered just three break-point chances to Klizan, none of which he was able to convert, while Berdych grabbed three of his nine break-point opportunities.

Klizan’s 28 winners were just three short of Berdych’s but he cancelled most of those out with 24 unforced errors.

This proved to be the story of the third set as Berdych made the most of his opportunities, breaking Klizan in the fifth game. Despite being behind, Klizan was determined to go down swinging. The Slovakian saved four match points, but on the fifth Berdych got the ‘W’.

“The score didn’t show how close the match was,” conceded Berdych whose next assignment will be either Germany’s Daniel Brands or Spain’s Daniel Gimeno-Traver.

Source: Official website Wimbledon

Tomas Berdych waves to the crowd after defeating Martin Klizan of Slovakia in their Men's first round singles match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London, Tuesday, June 25, 2013.

score and stats

Tomas Berdych advanced to the second round of Wimbledon

ATP NEWS

Seventh seed Tomas Berdych, who finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal in the 2010 Wimbledon final, survived a potentially tricky opener against Martin Klizan, with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory. This is his 40th straight major championship appearance. He has been ever-present in the Top 10 since 5 July 2010.

Tomas Happy To Be Through

Tomas signs autographs for fans