Rafael Nadal, who will play his fourth Wimbledon final in five years, acknowledges that Tomas Berdych is a dangerous opponent on grass
LONDON:
ADVERTISEMENT
"It is very difficult to stop him when he's playing well and he's playing really well. He's had an amazing tournament. I think he played a very good match against (Roger) Federer and a very good match against (Novak) Djokovic.
Berdych, who has the chance to become the first Czech winner of the men's singles since Jan Kodes triumphed in the strike-hit tournament of 1973, has lost his last six matches against Nadal, including a straight-sets loss in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2007.
 |
| Rafael Nadal |
But he kick-started his career in March in Miami, where he beat three top-10 players in a row including Roger Federer, and his big breakthrough came in the French Open last month when he reached his first Grand Slam semi-final.
Having slain Federer and new world number two Djokovic in his last two matches, the giant-killer has now trained his sling-shot on 2008 champion Nadal, who was in awesome form against Andy Murray in their last-four clash.
"I have every reason to believe I have a chance," Berdych said. "I have won so many matches and beaten some really great players here so that gives me the confidence to go and bring it to the final.
 |
| Tomas Berdych |
"Of course, it's a big match but I would say it's similar in experience to the semis of the French Open. I learned a lot from that match and I hope I can really just produce it here in the final.
"I will try to really concentrate on my game and not think about the occasion." Berdych plays down the fairytale aspect of his run to his first grand slam final and says he will draw encouragement from his previous head-to-head clashes with Nadal.
u00a0
"At least I beat him three times," Berdych said. "Other guys have an even worse record against him. I can find some positive things from those matches and I will try to get the fourth win here.
"I've never beaten him on grass so I think it's nice opportunity to do it right here right now. I wouldn't say reaching the final is a dream. It's down to good results and they have been coming after really hard work."
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
