“I lived a dream when I won the 2012 Davis Cup for my country!”
World No.6 Berdych aims to play better and move higher up in 2013, starting with the Aircel Chennai Open
CHENNAI, World No.6 Tomas Berdych is the highest ranked player participating in Aircel Chennai Open 2013 that boasts of a superb field with other top names such as World No.9 Janko Tipsarevic, World No.15 and two-time champion Marin Cilic, and World No.17 Stanislas Wawrinka.
On his second visit to play in Chennai, Berdych arrives on the back of a very impressive year with two tournament victories and a third consecutive year at ATP World Tour finals. “It feels just great. I’ve had a terrific season in 2012 and it has been just amazing, especially to win the Davis Cup final in Prague!” said the 27-year-old describing the year that has gone by.
One of the highlights of 2012 for Berdych was winning the 2012 Hopman Cup for the Czech Republic with doubles partner Kvitová. A passionate Czech, who loves to play for his nation, Berdych was thrilled with the achievement. “It feels just great because I really like to play team events for my country. What’s more, we are the only country to win the Hopman Cup, Fed Cup and Davis Cup in one year!” he said beaming. It has definitely been an amazing year for him. More like a dream that has come true in his words. Though he might not have idols in real life, he loves and believes in something Michael Jordan once said, “I always take the last shot myself not because I believe I will make it but because I want my destiny in my own hands.”
Known to be a dangerous player especially on grass, the hard-hitting World No.6 is known for his clean game and ability to play well on different surfaces throughout the world. It is not easy to keep a top ten ranking but Berdych has not just maintained it but hopes to move higher during the forthcoming season. With a clear strategy to be consistent, he has impressed the world with his talent. “I feel my career is moving in the right direction and really want to improve my current ranking and try to fight for a Grand Slam crown”, he said.
Berdych’s confesses that beating World No.2 Roger Federer twice at a Grand Slam is incomparable. “It is always a special moment to play against this legend,” he exclaimed.
He is back in Chennai to start his season with a tournament he feels is very well organised. “I’ve played in Chennai and had a good start to the season. I hope to do the same this year and maybe better my last performance and make the crowds happy”, he said describing his last visit to the Indian tennis capital.
On the personal front, he loves to spend time with his girlfriend, party with close friends, listen to rock, Indie and alternative music, and enjoy home-style Czech dishes like meat with sour curd and dumplings. Berdych has heard so much about Indian food that he is looking forward to trying it out during his forthcoming visit to the country.
When he gets some time off tournaments around the world, he loves to take off to the Maldives to relax. Revealing his funny side, he says if made in charge of the ATP, he would penalise referees for every bad call they make! Interestingly enough, though he has not seen an Indian movie yet, Berdych is waiting for Leander Paes to act in one.
In terms of style, the young Monte Carlo-based player would love to get Giorgio Armani to design his playing attire and thinks Maria Sharapova is the best-looking woman on the WTA Tour thanks to her style and personality.
Berdych is among the top tennis players to have come out of the Czech Republic, a country that has produced greats such as Ivan Lendl, Petra Kvitova, Jana Novotná, Květa Peschke, and Martina Navratilova, among others. All eyes are on him as he begins his new season at the USD $430,000 tournament.–
