Tomas Berdych was booed off Hisense Arena in an extraordinary ending to his 4th round match with Nicolas Almagro. Berdych managed to win a tight match, 4-6 7-6 7-6 7-6 but towards the end of the match, he took offence when Almagro launched a ball at him. Almagro was quick to apologise and you could see that he did not mean to hurt the Czech player, but Berdych did not see it like that and refused to shake Almagro's hand at the end of the match. It was a real lack of judgement from Berdych who was then deservedly booed from the crowd during his post-match interview and as he walked off court.
Berdych booed by the Hisense Arena crowd
Berdych booed by the Hisense Arena crowd
Berdych is likely to have the crowd against him on Tuesday when he will face off against the in-form Rafael Nadal in the quarter finals. Nadal eased past his fellow Spaniard, Feliciano Lopez, 6-4 6-4 6-2. Roger Federer was in terrific form as he displayed his variety against Bernard Tomic. Federer came through a tight first set against the Australian before strolling to a 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory. Federer will now play Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-finals after he produced a commanding performance to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-4 6-2 6-1. Del Potro has been improving through each stage of the tournament, but he will face the almighty test of Federer in the next round...
It was really bad on part of Berdych who took it so personally. This is sports, and this happens in sport, you have to win the point, and that is what Almagro did. He did not hit him in body on purpose. This shows how much sportsman spirit Berdych has.
ReplyDeleteThe crowd was right in booing him off the court.
I couldn't agree with your comments more, Omair. I read an article yesterday, which says Berdych now admits not shaking Almagro's hand was a mistake but he is still adamant that "what happened from Nico was not what should be happening in tennis".
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