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9/1/10 5:35 AM | Ricky Dimon
Tomas Berdych will look to produce more Grand Slam heroics when he take the court at the U.S. Open. First, however, his campaign must simply get off the ground against a tough opponent in Michael Llodra.
Tomas Berdych and Michael Llodra will be squaring off for the fourth time in their careers when they meet in the first round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday. Berdych leads the head-to-head series 2-1, having prevailed at the 2005 World Team Championship and at Wimbledon in 2007. Llodra won their most recent encounter 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the 2008 French Open.
Two years later, Berdych is now a much different player--especially at the Grand Slam level. The Czech is up to a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the world thanks to a semifinal showing at Roland Garros and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon. Overall this season, Berdych sports an impressive 41-15 record.
"I know that everyone will expect me to reach the semifinal or even the final, but first I have to beat my opening opponent," Berdych noted. "I will take each match as it comes."
That's a good idea, because Llodra is also in the midst of an impressive 2010 campaign and he is also most dangerous on fast surfaces. The 30-year-old French is 21-15 on the year and has captured titles in Marseille and Eastbourne. Llodra, however, has been dealing with a foot injury and is short on match practice heading into the U.S. Open.
At 100 percent, Llodra would be able to make this one competitive and probably even steal a set. But with Berdych in fine form and Llodra coming in with health concerns, look for the No. 7 seed to cruise.
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Looking at the score, Berd's in trouble.
deuce , 9/1/10 8:23 PM
Berdych won't cruise through. Llodra is a tough opponent. His S & V game can trouble many players, especially the younger ones who are not used to the S & V game and find it difficult to handle. The likes of Simon and now Berdych have problems with it, even Tsonga. Tsonga has to go to tie breaks to be able to beat Llodra. I think only the top four guys, with their game and their passing shots, and also players like Delpo, Davy and Roddick can handle Llodra's S & V game.
I see now Berdych most likely can't get past Llodra. Good luck to both. I think Berdych losing early will mean an even easier path for Murray. I don't foresee Llodra troubling Murray should be get that far to meet Murray.
luckystar , 9/1/10 8:48 PM
Berdych is beaten in straight sets. Ljubicic is also out.
nadline , 9/1/10 8:59 PM
And he wins...............
bolbol , 9/1/10 8:59 PM
allez ! llodra won! did anyone catch this game? berdych was so scared in his last service game he dropped the ball while serving...
croc , 9/1/10 9:00 PM
I like both Llodra and Berdych, too bad they have to meet so early and one of them has to go home. This time it is Berdych. Congrats to Llodra, well done. Please go far into the tournament, I hope to see Llodra vs Murray and see how Murray handle the S & V game, knowing Murray can do it.
Too bad Berdych has to lose his serves, if not he still has a chance in the tie breaks, just like Tsonga did against Llodra, a 50-50 chance. If he can stretch Llodra for as long as possible, he may win the match as Llodra not known to be consistent when he has to go the distance. Berdych clearly can't deal with Llodra's S & V game, he is not known to have good ROS and he is not fast enough around the court.
luckystar , 9/1/10 9:04 PM
murray would crush llodra. i doubt he makes it that far though. unfortunately.
croc , 9/1/10 9:25 PM
Great win for Llodra.
cherylmurray , 9/1/10 9:27 PM
the first big upset of the tournament ...
rfzr , 9/1/10 10:45 PM
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this is a great match-up! we're in for some spectacular tennis here!
llodra made a great match against roddick at wimbledon.
croc , 9/1/10 7:17 PM