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Novak Djokovic is yet to drop a set at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships but that could change tonight when he clashes against the dangerous Tomas Berdych. Join us for live scores from 10.00pm AEST.
Despite possessing an inferior head to head record against Djokovic, Berdych will have very fond memories of the last time they clashed at Wimbledon.
In their only meeting on grass, Berdych defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships and possesses the fire power to cause similar trouble against the Serb tonight.
Berdych was impressive in his four set victory over the dangerous Bernard Tomic in the fourth round, overpowering the Australian in key moments with his serve, forehand and backhand shots.
The Czech world no. 6 on his day poses a serious threat to any player on the ATP tour and should be favoured to provide Djokovic with his toughest test at Wimbledon so far this year.
While Berdych should be favoured to challenge the world no. 1, it remains to be seen if his best will be enough to upset the 2011 Wimbledon champion.
Prediction
As their head to head record suggests, Djokovic has given Berdych enormous headaches in recent clashes.
The Serb is a master of nullifying Berdych’s powerful groundstrokes with his supreme movement around the court and will once again look to force Berdych into playing high risk tennis.
Berdych will also have to be at his best on serve if he is to gain the free points he needs to perhaps settle his nerves.
Djokovic is without doubt the best returner in the men’s game and will look to put Berdych under enormous pressure early by returning as many serves as possible.
In his fourth round victory over Tomic, Berdych did lose his way at times when the Australian returned well, particularly late in the second and third sets, where he produced numerous double faults when placed under pressure.
If Djokovic returns well, Berdych may find himself down an early break, and his chances of securing victory could evaporate quickly as a result.
Djokovic is probably the best frontrunner in the men’s game and will be keen to start quickly tonight given that he struggled to put Tommy Haas away in the previous round.
Overall, Berdych possesses the game to really trouble Djokovic on grass but the Serb on his day should prevail in a tight contest.
Djokovic in four sets.