TOMAS BERDYCH DELIGHTED TO BE BACK AT THE 02 IN LONDON

Written by: Staff on 8th November 2014

BNP Paribas 2014 Masters Tennis Tournament

TOMAS BERDYCH DELIGHTED TO BE BACK AT THE 02 IN LONDON

epa04467597 Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic reacts during his second round match against Adrian Mannarino of France at the BNP Paribas 2014 Masters tennis tournament in Paris, France, 28 October 2014. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

(Original Link and Courtesy of the ATP: http://m.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/11/45/London-Finale-Berdych-Preview.aspx)

Tomas Berdych is delighted to have qualified for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals for a fifth straight season, but realises this year’s event at The O2 could be the toughest yet.

The Czech has been drawn in Group A alongside two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic, Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka and US Open titlist Marin Cilic.

“It’s a tough draw,” said Berdych, at a press conference on Friday. “There are Grand Slam champions in my group, so it is not an easy one. Having Novak in the group, pretty much means one spot is already taken and we’re going to fight for the other spot. I am going to focus on my first match and try to go for it.”

Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic serves to Dominic Thiem of Austria on the ninth day of the 2014 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 02 September 2014. The US Open runs through 08 September, a 15-day schedule. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT

Berdych has a 5-8 record at the prestigious tournament — including a 2011 semi-final run (l. to Tsonga). He plays Wawrinka in their group opener on Monday afternoon.

The 29-year-old Berdych qualified for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at No. 7 in the Emirates ATP Race To London. Three players — Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Cilic — will be making their debuts at this year’s tournament.

“The last three or four years, there weren’t many changes in the Top 8,” admitted Berdych. “In terms of trying to qualify for the [Barclays] ATP World Tour Finals, there were really only four spots up for grabs. In terms of trying to make the tournament, it made things even more complicated. There are a few new guys coming up, so it is not easy to maintain and stay in the same position. This is my fifth qualification. It is always a good result to be sitting here, having had a successful season. It’s an extremely tough tennis era.”

Topics: 02 Arena, Atp World Tour, London, Tennis, Tomas Berdych

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10sBalls_com says:

November 8, 2014 at 11:13 am

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