Berdych inspired to go one better than legendary countryman Lendl
July 4th, 2010 - 1:08 pm ICT by ANI
London, Jul 4 (ANI): Czech star Tomas Berdych is inspired to do better than legendary countryman Ivan Lendl in the Wimbledon final.
Berdych, 24, is the rank outsider for his clash with World No.1 Rafa Nadal, despite reaching the French Open semifinals a month ago.
After beating Roger Federer in the last eight, Berdych is planning to pull off the biggest men’s final upset since Michael Stich beat Boris Becker in 1991.
Lendl, who twice reached the Wimbledon finals in the 1980s, has contacted him, News of the World quoted him,as saying.
Lendl won all the other Grand Slam titles but never tasted Wimbledon glory - despite reaching five semis in addition to two final defeats.
Berdych said: “What Ivan did was great. He had so many great results. I’m really only at the beginning of what he achieved but you never know what’s going to happen next.”
“I’m still pretty young and now I have achieved the same as he did by reaching the final of Wimbledon. Unfortunately he never won the title here but I will get the chance tomorrow and we will see,” he said.
“I’ve been spoken to by Ivan through other people, who have passed on his best wishes. I’m getting so many calls and texts with congratulations just from friends.
“It’s really nice to have that support and know that so many people in the Czech Republic are following it,” Berdych added.
If Berdych wins, he would be the first Czech winner at Wimbledon since Jan Kodes in 1973. (ANI)
- 'On-fire' Berdych says he 'doesn't fear anyone' following giant-killing spree - Jul 03, 2010
- Nadal sweeps to second Wimbledon trophy with dream victory (Night Lead) - Jul 05, 2010
- Federer, Tsonga chase history in ATP World Tour Finals - Nov 27, 2011
- Nadal storms past Berdych for second Wimbledon title (Lead) - Jul 04, 2010
- Chennai Open: Berdych eases into last 8 - Jan 05, 2011
- My game has matured: Berdych - Jan 03, 2011
- Berdych knocks out Murray, meets Federer in semis, Djokovic pulls out - Nov 12, 2011
- Berdych says he fears no one after beating Djokovic - Jul 03, 2010
- Ferrer thrashes Djokovic to reach semis at ATP final - Nov 24, 2011
- Murray vows to rock Nadal's Wimbledon title hopes - Jul 01, 2010
- Berdych saves match point, clinches deciding tiebreak against Tipsarevic - Nov 24, 2011
- Soderling soars into second straight French Open final - Jun 04, 2010
- Tipsarevic survives Nishikori scare - Jan 08, 2011
- Chennai Open singles wrap - Jan 06, 2011
- Federer loses to Berdych, seventh Wimbledon title hopes evaporate (Lead) - Jun 30, 2010
Tags: 1980s, best wishes, boris becker, chance tomorrow, clash, countryman, french open, grand slam titles, ivan lendl, jan kodes, michael stich, news of the world, open semifinals, rafa nadal, rank outsider, roger federer, semis, tomas berdych, wimbledon, wimbledon finals