Berdych to face Federer in Madrid Final
Saturday’s semi finals did not feature the Top 2 in the rankings as both finalists from last year were beaten early. Thomas Berdych beat Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro 7-6(5), 7-6(6). Roger Federer beat Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the final.
Roger Federer in the final of Madrid Open
Del Potro got an early lead breaking serve and was up 4-2 and also served for the set at 5-4. However Berdych struck back with some powerful ground strokes and broke easily to level at 5-5. The tie breaker which followed saw Berdych get off to a quick start leading 4-1. There was a brief interruption as a spectator needed medical attention and on resumption Berdych kept his cool to lead 5-1. Then Del Potro won 4 points in a row with some excellent tennis including a superb passing shot to get to 4-5. However a weak back hand error gave Berdych set point which he converted with a brilliant forehand winner.
The second set saw Berdych get off to an early break as Del Potro took a tumble in the very first point. Berdych led 3-1 but Del Potro dug deep to break back and force a tie break. Del Potro was confident having won 10 matches in a row and having just won at Estoril last week. Berdych again just edged Del Potro after a bit of controversy regarding a Del Potro first serve that was ruled out at 6-6. Berdych capitalised to win the next two points to win the match.
In the second semi final Federer crushed Tipsarevic in straight sets taking only 67 minutes. Federer adapted to the windy conditions at the start better and broke to 3-1 at the end of a long game when Tipsarevic hit a short forehand into the net. In the next game, Federer started off with two consecutive double faults but won 4 points in a row to lead 4-1. Federer wrapped up the set at 6-2 breaking again.
The Serbian fought harder in the second set but still a single break was enough for Federer to go through. Federer now gets a chance to get back to No.2 in the world if he wins the tournament on Sunday.
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