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Berdych: 'Don't Call Me Lukas'


By Erik Gudris
Tomas Berdych does not want to be compared to Lukas Rosol (September 6, 2012) -- While still basking in the afterglow of his upset win over top seed Roger Federer last night at the U.S. Open, Tomas Berdych in his post-match press conference had to remind a reporter that he was very different from another fellow Czech who pulled off a big result at a Major this year.

When Lukas Rosol's upset over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon was brought up and with it the question if the Czech mentality makes them less afraid of big wins than other countries, Berdych started the following exchange.

Berdych: Well, I just hope you're not comparing me with Lukas Rosol. Do you? (Laughter.)

Q: No, I'm not saying that. I'm just saying...

Berdych: You did. You just said that there was a big upset and Rosol will beat Nadal and then you mentioned my match here.

Q: Okay.

Berdych: Okay, good. So first of all, I don't think that we are in the same position, that it's actually that big upset. But all right, you said that. Well, I don't know what else to say. I mean, is it something wrong that we are from Czech and beating big guys? No? Good. Okay.

Q: It's a good thing.

Berdych: It's a good thing, yeah. So, yeah, we will try to do it for next time again.

The message from the former Wimbledon finalist was quite clear - Rosol's win was great but show me some respect guys.

Getting respect has long been an issue for Berdych who will now climb back to his career high ranking of No. 6 in the world. Despite often being picked as a dark horse contender for Majors and having winning records against the likes of Andy Murray and now Federer, Berdych has also been known for having mental letdowns in big matches, most notably blowing a two sets to love lead against Federer at the 2009 Australian Open.

Berdych has also been known for having inconsistent seasons, this year's no exception as he won one title at Montpelier, reached the finals of Madrid but then lost in the first round of Wimbledon and the Olympics. Those losses had Berdych grasping for confidence as he entered the hard court season.

But now with this win over Federer, can we expect Berdych to perhaps challenge for the title this weekend? That all depends if Berdych just stays content with this result or uses it to fuel himself to perhaps taking his first Major.

One thing is for sure, Berdych is firmly back on the short list of players who have proven they can challenge the "Fantastic Four" at the biggest stages. And though Berdych still may not get as much recognition as the likes of Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, and Murray, he certainly can never be considered a one-win wonder like his fellow Davis Cup teammate.

(Photo Credit: AFP/Patrick Kovarik)

 

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