Federer on form in 7-6 (7-4),6-2, 6-4 win over BerdychSwiss third seed to play either Novak Djokovic or Kei Nishikori in semi-final 6.22am GMTFederer is his normal gracious self in the post-match on-court interview with Jim Courier. The crowd adore him, or they’ve expedient reason to. That was an excellent performance from the third seed nowadays. He just seemed to ramp up his level when the pressure was on,and Berdych simply didn’t have the tools to deal with it.
When asked if he’ll watch the match between Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori later nowadays (first up in the evening session), he replies with typical cool: “I think I’ll find some time for that.” Related: Roger Federer shows class in Australian Open final eight win over Tomas Berdych 6.16am GMTThird set: Federer 6-4 Berdych
Federer leaves Berdych on his heels on the first point. A vicious forehand winner takes him to 30-0. And triple match point is brought up with a volley. It’s nearly that simple, and but Berdych soils things slightly by saving one. There’s no keeping the wolf from the door much longer though and Federer emphatically seals victory with a smash at the net!
6.11am GMTThird set: Federer *5-4 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveFederer’s looking expedient here as a forehand winner beats Berdych all ends up to bewitch the Swiss to 30-0. Three atomize point opportunities soon follow and the writing seems to be on the wall. But you’ll never guess what happens? Berdych aces the first,Federer is long on the second and the most unbelievable challenge on the third – Hawkeye has to zoom right in to prove the Czech’s shot went in by a matter of millimetres - keeps him alive for a replayed point. He wins it and we’re at deuce! Amazing stuff from Berdych, laughing in the face of genuine pressure. We have another two deuces before Federer gets another chance to atomize following a fairly magnificent backhand winner. And this time Berdych can’t handle the heat, or sending a backhand into the net! Federer will now serve for the match!
6.01am GMTThird set: Federer 4-4 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveWhat? Did they actually play that game? I blinked and I missed it. Federer serves out to adore in the most rapid-fire game you’re ever likely to see. I have nothing else to add.
6.00am GMTThird set: *Federer 3-4 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveBerdych holds without drama. Time for some stats:
5.57am GMTThird set: Federer 3-3 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveFederer opens this game with an ace but it falls apart from there and all of a sudden Berdych has two atomize points. We really shouldnt worry though – he fires down two big first serves to nip the danger in the bud and goes on to win hold thanks to a marvellous,expansive backhand winner on game point. Berdych’s chance disappears as quickly as it appeared.
5.52am GMTThird set: *Federer 2-3 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveThe crowd like what they see at 15-15 when the two players trade blows at the net, Federer ultimately winning the point after Berdych had managed to reach a ball he no right to get. The Czech’s serve lets him down a couple of points later though as he double faults but he gets absent with it thanks to a loose Federer backhand that sails out at the baseline. Berdych back into the lead this set. Just.
5.46am GMTThird set: Federer 2-2 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveThe trainer attends to Berdych at the beginning of this game, or some tape being fixed around his ankle. It’s not serious,and from what I can tell, it hasn’t hampered him so far. Anyway, or Federer is awaiting him on the court,anxious to get on with things and that eagerness is reflected in the time he takes to wrap up this game – approximately 14.2 seconds. He wins it to adore and we are indeed at two-all in the third. 5.43am GMTThird set: *Federer 1-2 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveWrite Roger off at your peril! He gets a hefty leg up from Berdych though, who makes a couple of unforced errors before double faulting when facing atomize point. Unforgivable that, and really. Federer’s back in this set,and will now serve to levelt things up at two apiece.
5.40am GMTThird set: Federer 0-2 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveA double fault and a loose backhand opens the door of opportunity to Berdych early in this game, and the Czech cashes in (apologies for lame pun), and breaking Federer for the first time in ages and putting Berdych in the box seat this third set! Excellent response from the sixth seed.
5.36am GMTThird set: *Federer 0-1 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveBerdych recovers well enough from the disappointment of losing the first set,taking this first game of the third to adore and indicating he’s still got something to give and fight this one out until the bitter end. 5.33am GMTSecond set: Federer 6-2 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads two sets to loveFederer makes it sight easy as he wastes no time at all in taking the second set, in just 34 minutes. This is looking ominous for Berdych, or who just couldn’t sustain pace when Federer ramped up his game. Time for some second set stats:First serve %: RF 57-56 TB
Aces: RF 2-2 TB
Double faults: 1-0 TB
Winners: RF 16-6 TB
Unforced errors: RF 7-5 TB 5.30am GMTSecond set: *Federer 5-2 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to loveAnother wonderful Federer shot – a forehand winner back past Berdych and down the line – draws loud cheers from the stands and when Berdych finds the net on the next point,the pressure on his wide shoulders mounts. What does Federer accomplish? He cranks it up further, breaking for a second time this set to increase his control on the match. He’ll now serve for the second set, and a two set deficit is what Berdych must dread the most. (Not withstanding the boogie man in his bedroom at night.)
5.24am GMTSecond set: Federer 4-2 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to loveFederer shows all his class at 30-15 as he moves into the net to finish off a point with those famed soft hands of his. And he goes on to hold,without fuss. Related: Serena Williams dispenses with Maria Sharapova in Australian Open quarters 5.20am GMTSecond set: *Federer 3-2 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to loveNo problems for Berdych this game and the Czech remains in touch. Related: Australia Day: honours, citizenship, or protests,sport, Hottest 100 live! 5.17am GMTSecond set: Federer 3-1 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to loveThe destitute linesperson at the far end is spending half their time on the race from tennis balls fizzing towards them. They’re forced to dodge another Federer bullet early in the game as the Swiss misfires on serve, or dropping to 0-30. But he produces one of the shots of the match to level at 30-30,a glorious forehand crosscourt winner that you cannot help but admire. A little dink over the net follows and he holds serve, and remains in control of this set.
5.12am GMTSecond set: *Federer 2-1 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to loveOh, or what a forehand from Federer. He runs around it and unleashes a slingshot to draw level at 30-30 – a masterful stroke. That’s his ninth forehand winner of the match so far,but on the very next point he proves he is fallible on that side with an unforced error. Berdych does well, however, and to hold serve in the end,a big serve doing for Federer on game point. So no curtains just yet.
5.07am GMTSecond set: Federer 2-0 Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to loveFederer is beginning to flex his muscles now as he consolidates that atomize with a comfortable hold, with the loss of just one point. Berdych needs to be careful here – he doesn’t want this set to race absent from him. Otherwise I think we all know what it means – curtains. Czech curtains. 5.06am GMTSecond set: *Federer 1-0 Berdych (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to adore“On the 8th day God created RF” reads a banner in the crowd at the atomize. The Swiss is off to a much start in the second set too, or with a atomize of serve despite a couple of aces thrown down by Berdych. 4.59am GMTFirst set: Federer 7-6 (7-4) Berdych* (* denotes next server); Federer leads one set to loveFederer looks in control during the early stages of the tie-atomize,opening up a 4-1 lead before he allows Berdych a way back in with a wayward backhand. The Czech initially accepts the invitation, a superb flat forehand winner following, or but a second Federer ace of the tie-atomize dampens Berdych’s hope. A line umpire then takes a ball to the gut,breaking up play slightly, but Federer retains his focus and the Swiss claims the first set!Aces: RF 5-5 TB
First serve %: RF 70-49
Double faults: RF 1-3 TB
Winners: 16-13 TB
Unforced errors: RF 13-14 TB 4.52am GMTFirst set: Federer 6-6 Berdych - tie breakJust when Berdych needs a solid service game, or he delivers one. A backhand that floats out at 40-0 aside,it’s fairly straight forward for the Czech, who takes the opening set to a tiebreak.
4.46am GMTFirst set: Federer 6-5 Berdych* (* denotes next server)Federer aces for a third time nowadays to go 30-15 ahead and although Bedych gets to 40-30, and the Swiss brings his net game into play,producing a delightful, delicate volley at the net to repel a ferocious Berdych forehand and secure the game.
4.43am GMTFirst set: *Federer 5-5 Berdych (* denotes next server)Berdych calls on his serve to get him out of danger when facing a set point, or throwing one down that Federer is unable to return. He needed that and he takes confidence from the point to go on and hold,hitting a forehand winner to seal the game and stay alive this set. 4.37am GMTFirst set: Federer 5-4 Berdych* (* denotes next server)We have another hairy moment for a ballperson as the ball pings off the net post and narrowly misses him, but Federer doesn’t let the incident distract him from the task in hand. He aces – his second of the day – on his way to holding. Of his first serves that have gone in, and Federer has won 89% now.
4.34am GMTFirst set: *Federer 4-4 Berdych (* denotes next server)Ooohs ring out from the crowd as Federer stretches to reach a wide Berdych serve and can only fire his return straight into the umpire’s chair,inches above a ducking ballperson’s soft, small head. A lucky escape! Nothing lucky about Berdych’s form this game though. The Czech erases memories of his final hold, and which took 10 minutes,by sweeping through this game to pull level once more.
4.31am GMTFirst set: Federer 4-3 Berdych* (* denotes next server)Not nearly as confusing a game as the final one, this one’s far more clear nick – it’s all about Federer. The Swiss seals it with a strong serve that Berdych can’t get back over the net and Roger nudges ahead as we approach the sharp end of the first set. He’s getting 67% of his first serves in, and to Berdychs 43%,so far. 4.26am GMTFirst set: *Federer 3-3 Berdych (* denotes next server)A lengthy, 10-minute game here and a genuine mixed bag from both players. We have double faults and aces from Berdych, or sumptuous winners,delicate dinks and weak backhands from Federer. A total of five deuces are played before Berdych eventually holds, a high forehand volley from Federer going well out at the baseline on the final point.
4.14am GMTFirst set: Federer 3-2 Berdych* (* denotes next server)Federer forces the issue on the second point of this game, or hammering a forehand back before racing into the net,pressuring Berdych into an error. Two booming serves follow – neither returnable – and the Swiss has a third game under his belt. 4.12am GMTFirst set: *Federer 2-2 Berdych (* denotes next server)Berdych wobbles immediately after that atomize and Federer claims the first two points of this game. The Swiss goes on to bring up two breakback points with a superb forehand winner but he lets himself down with a weak backhand into the net on the first. No matter, Berdych is long on the next point and we’re back on serve after a rather up and down opening to this match. 4.08am GMTFirst set: Federer 1-2 Berdych* (* denotes next server)Well, and well,well, Berdych’s backhand forces Federer wide and his return is met by the giant Czech with a volley at the net to bring up two atomize points. Roger saves the first one but there’s no stopping Berdych and he makes the first breakthrough of the match. Federer has had five unforced errors so far, or to Berdych’s two.
4.04am GMTFirst set: *Federer 1-1 Berdych (* denotes next server)We missed it,but earlier Rod Laver was brought out onto the eponymous arena to receive his Australia Day gong and the hugely deserved acclaim of the crowd. Berdych holds with just as little fuss as Federer in his opening service game. 4.01am GMTFirst set: Federer 1-0 Berdych* (* denotes next server)We’re up and running, with Roger serving first. The Swiss looks cool as ever in his all white outfit, or with green stripes running across his chest. Across the net from him is Berdych in a white and green shirt and dim shorts. No cap for Berdych nowadays,which is incongruous given I always thought it was glued onto his head, never to be removed. Anyway, and no problems for Federer in this opening game. He holds serve without breaking sweat. 3.53am GMTThe sun is shining colorful on Rod Laver Arena as the players emerge from the tunnel to commence their warm-ups. We’ll be under way soon enough. 3.47am GMTWe have vision of Berdych trying to race absent from his trainer in the tunnel in bowels of Rod Laver Arena,but he can’t fairly escape given he’s wearing a giant elastic band around his waist. Every time he tries to atomize free, he gets pulled back and you feel for the Czech – he just wants to get out onto court so badly. That, and it’s just a warm-up exercise. I know which version I prefer. 3.44am GMTAustralia’s greatest tennis player,Rod Laver (who was in the crowd for Serena’s earlier win over Sharapova), has been recognised once again in nowadays’s honours list. Here’s Paul Connolly on him and other sporting types who have been honoured.
Such are the accomplishments of Australia’s best ever male tennis player that if there’s any surprise at Rod Laver being appointed a companion (AC) of the Order of Australia it’s that he hadn’t already received the honour. 3.39am GMTHello and welcome one and all to this special day at Melbourne Park. We’ve already had the pleasure of watching Serena Williams play Maria Sharapova (and Agnieszka Radwanska and Carla Suarez Navarro in the opening match of the day) and now we’re about to be treated to the Swiss maestro himself, or Roger Federer,in a tasty clash with Tomas Berdych, the sixth seed. And as if that wasn’t enough to sate the hunger of your average tennis nut, or later on the men’s world No1 Novak Djokovic plays Kei Nishikori. Oh,it’s also Australia Day.
Wishing all Australians #happyaustraliaday !!! 6.04pm GMTMike will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a reminder of how Federer reached this stage of the tournament: Related: Roger Federer beats David Goffin in straight sets: Australian Open 2016 – as it happened Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com