In a rematch of the 2010 Wimbledon final, Rafael Nadal faces Tomas Berdych for a place in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Join us for live scores and blog later this evening.
Berdych will have to defy some pretty dark history if is to upset Nadal in the Australian Open quarter-final.
The world No.7 has lost his past nine matches against the Spaniard, and furthermore, he has lost in straight sets in eight of those matches.
Overall, history suggests that Nadal might aswell stroll to another victory against Berdych on his way to a possible semi-final showdown with Roger Federer.
Although Nadal has yet to drop a set at the Australian Open, the Spaniard has made it clear that he is not at full fitness, so Berdych should take this opportunity to really test the shoulder of the world No.2 with some powerful serving and baseline hitting.
At his best, Berdych can hit as well as anyone on the ATP tour, but his capacity to go missing mentally in the key moments of matches has cost him dearly in his quest to become a regular contender for Grand Slams.
Prediction –
Berdych will look to control Nadal with his heavy baseline hitting, given that the Czech player thrives on his ability to control points with a strong first serve, followed by aggressive groundstrokes off both the backhand and forehand side.
In his controversial win over Nicolas Almagro, Berdych played at a high level against the Spaniard, and should take confidence from a performance that saw him come back from a set down to record a very tight victory which saw him win three tiebreakers.
If Berdych can find his range early on with the serve and forehand, he certainly possesses the arsenal necessary to beat Nadal tonight.
Berdych may also look to introduce the serve and volley tactic in order to take time away from Nadal and force the Spaniard to take more risks with his forehand or backhand return.
The world No.2 on the other hand will look to return serve well against Berdych, and if he does, Nadal should be able to dictate the tempo of the match.
Like Djokovic, Nadal is a master counter puncher and will look to engage Berdych in lengthy rallies that may force the big Czech player to produce unforced errors.
Of course, Nadal has several weapons of his own, with the double handed backhand and his topspin forehand among his most lethal shots. If the Spaniard has the chance to utilize these shots on a constant basis against Berdych, then we will most likely see a Nadal victory.
Nadal in four sets.
Alan
Roar Guru
Sorry guys, just correcting the final score: Berdych 7 6 4 3 Nadal 6 7 6 6
Dushyant Joshi
Guest
Thanx for the scores.
Alan
Roar Guru
Berdych played really well and made Nadal earn his keep tonight. But the Spaniard got the workout he needed and now has the form on the board to once again stand toe to toe with great rival Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Final score here: Berdych 7 6 4 3 Nadal 6 7 6 6 6 Thanks again for joining us here on The Roar and we look forward to your company next time.
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH NADAL - Nadal's forehand comes to life against the Berdych serve and he was able to break the Czech player and secure the match in an epic four setter which lasted over four hours. The final score: Berdych 7 6 4 3 Nadal 6 7 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal's forehand comes to life yet again here as he produces a winner down the line. He then wins another point and its 0-40 now, three match points.
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal holds thanks to a Berdych backhand that hits the net. Berdych 7 6 4 3 Nadal 6 7 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal producing crushing forehands now in this service game and its 40-15
Alan
Roar Guru
Berdych hits the net with the volley and its 15-0 Nadal
Alan
Roar Guru
Berdych with an ace and he holds well under pressure. Berdych 7 6 4 3 Nadal 6 7 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Great backhand return for Nadal for break point. Berdych saves it though with a strong first serve Berdych 7 6 4 2 Nadal 6 7 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Both players trading forehand blows here. 15-30 Nadal
sanjeev
Guest
Thanks Alan, I was following your blog from last 1hr on this match. Hope your prediction comes true!!! going to watch it Live at home now..cheers
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal so solid at the net as he volleys truly and he holds serve Berdych 7 6 4 2 Nadal 6 7 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Nadal with a trademark forehand winner down the line and its deuce
Alan
Roar Guru
Berdych has dug deep here and he now has two break points now.
Alan
Roar Guru
Good dropshot from Berdych and it sets up the easy volley. 0-15
Alan
Roar Guru
Berdych holds as Nadal goes wide with the volley. Berdych 7 6 4 2 Nadal 6 7 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Great backhand winner from Berdych and its game point.
Alan
Roar Guru
Back to deuce now
Alan
Roar Guru
Great return from Nadal and its break point.