Berdych’s Future Davis Cup Commitment Is Unsettled

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 4th February 2014

Berdych’s Future Davis Cup Commitment Is Unsettled

epa04052236 Tomas Berdych (C) of the Czech Republic celebrates with his teammates after beating Thiemo De Bakker of the Netherlands during the Davis Cup World Group first round tie between the Czech Republic and the Netherlands at CEZ Arena in Ostrava, Czech Republic, 02 February 2014. EPA/PETER HUDEC |

Tomas Berdych has been integral to the Czech Republic’s success in Davis Cup, playing both singles and doubles in the two title winning campaigns of 2012 and 2013. But now it seems he is about to join the list of leading players whose commitment to the 114 year team event is conditional.

Berdych has named himself as doubtful for the upcoming World Group quarterfinal to be played away against Japan on April 4-6.

The tie comes hard on the heels of the Sony Open in Miami and Berdych’s travel schedule by then is likely to have read Doha – Melbourne – Ostrava – Rotterdam – Dubai – Indian Wells. And at the age of 28, the world no.7 feels it is time to reassess his priorities.

Berdych handed the Czechs a tenth straight Davis Cup win over the weekend as he won all three of his rubbers, beating Igor Sijsling and Thiemo de Bakker at singles while also partnering Radek Stepanek to a doubles victory over Robin Haase and Jean-Julien Roger.

“I need to re-focus a little bit on my career,” he said. “That means the second round with Japan is still with a big question mark for me but the Czech team is good enough to win without me.”

Berdych is believed to be planning only to play home Davis Cup ties in the foreseeable future.

Editors note: This is the sad truth to the Davis Cup. Tomas has just WON the 2013 Davis Cup in December. He and Stepanek should be called what they are. The title holders. And they should already be in this years finals waiting and watching everyone earn the right to face the current champs. It’s a grind. We believe the Davis cup format needs that revision.

Topics: 10sballs, Davis Cup, Sony Open, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Tomas Berdych