There are a lot of factors going against Berdych in this match and most of them aren’t Nadal! Berdych signed his Quarterfinal check 2 days ago after his 4 set victory over the Spaniard Nicolas Almagro. In the later stages of the 4 th set Almagro hit a laser in Berdych’s direction hitting the Czech in the arm. Berdych took offense and did not accept Almagros apology. From that point Berdych played some inspired tennis and finished off the Spaniard in a convincing tiebreaker. Berdych then refused to shake Almagro’s hand which incensed the crowd. In the post match on court interview Berdych was heckled and booed by the raucous crowd and Berdych looked visibly shaken.

Berdych now has to deal a new and improved Rafa who is making a better effort to tag the ball and dictate play. Nadal is a better returner than his previous opponents whom Berdych was afforded many free points and he’ll also have to deal with a crowd of 15,000 people rooting against him. A tall order for a tall man who will come up short and lose in four sets. Rafa prevails 76 57 64 64

-ChiChi