US Open: ‘I took Federer out of the comfort zone’
Five-time champion Federer, buoyed by a seventh Wimbledon title this summer which gave him a 17th Grand Slam crown, had cruised through the early rounds at Flushing Meadows, but was out-muscled and out-played by the Czech sixth-seed. Berdych’s stunning 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory gave him a first spot in the US Open semi-finals and a Saturday showdown with British third-seed Andy Murray, who was beaten by Federer in the 2008 championship match.
And Federer reckons Berdych could go all the way to the title on Sunday.
“If he plays well and serves well and makes the right decisions before and during the match against Murray, obviously he’s got a chance. He’s beaten him before,” said the Swiss of Berdych who leads Murray 4-2 in meetings.
Tearful Roddick bows out
Meanwhile, a tearful Andy Roddick said goodbye to the US Open and his career in an emotional fourth-round defeat to Juan Martin Del Potro.
The 30-year-old, the last American man to win a Grand Slam event when he claimed the US Open in 2003, had already said this would be the last tournament of a 12-year career which yielded 32 titles and $20 million in prize-money. It also brought him the world number one spot as well as three heartbreaking Wimbledon runner-up finishes, before his prospects of a permanent place at the top table were swept away by Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, for the first time in my career I’m not sure what to say,” said Roddick, who was in tears as he addressed the crowd after his 6-7 (7/1), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-4 loss. “I appreciate your support along the way. I know I certainly haven’t made it easy for you at times.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2012.
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He's a great athlete and there is no doubt. I am not really a big fan of tennis, but when he plays I always watch his games and cheer for him...
Ever since Andy came up, serving the ball faster than anyone, I have been a big fan. I watched his matches whenever I could, followed every point, saw Andy serve it up and was happy when he won, bummed when he lost. He's a a great player and we had high hopes for him at Wimbledon but as everyone knows he ran up against perhaps the greatest player of all times and just could not capture the crown.
Hs exultation in winning the US Open in 2003, his only major title, is still a beautiful thing to watch. Andy has had a great career, reached number one and stayed in the top ten the for a decade. As for me, a long time tennis enthusiast, I can only thank Andy for giving us some great tennis and a terrific serve. Andy never made it hard for me to support him.
Thanks, Andy, you were great.