Dubai: Tomas Berdych made it to the semi-finals of the just-concluded Australian Open from the bottom half of the draw that included Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. He did not have to face Federer, who was beaten early, defeated a rusty Nadal in straight sets in the quarters and won the first set against Murray in the much-awaited semi-final.
Much awaited? Yes, that’s because the 29-year-old had, just over a month ago, cleaned out Murray’s coaching staff and fans and critics alike were waiting to see how things would pan out when the two met. As it so transpired, Berdych couldn’t execute his gameplan the way he wanted to and was left ruing missed chances, which he believes, need to be seized if one is to win a Grand Slam title in the era of Novak Djokovic, Federer, Nadal and Murray, something Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic did last year.
“It’s just using those opportunities, those occasions that were given to them. They were obviously ready, prepared and took their chances. You have to be ready, be prepared to take the chances and one day able to execute for yourself as well,” he told Gulf News in an exclusive interview from Melbourne.
Unhappy as the world No. 7 was with his inability to grab the opportunities, the 2010 Wimbledon finalist believes the decision to hire Murray’s former coaches Danny Vallverdu and Azuz Simcich was a step in the right direction.
“Firstly, It all started when my 2014 season was done, just took my time off, basically to recap on my career till that time. I said to myself it’s the right time if I want to still make some move, improve my game, get better, this is the right time. So I started to look around, started to look at options. And I basically ended up with a new fitness guy and a coach. Now I can judge it and I feel it’s been a good move,” Berdych said.
He added: “The start of the year was pretty good, pretty solid. What I liked the most was the time I spent with Danny on court. Was not that long or that much but already I can feel a couple of things we worked on in the off season that I can execute on court which is good and positive. That’s what I am looking for in the future. It’s really hard to say right now, we’ve hardly spent a month together. One of the main goals definitely is some big titles.”
The Czech star admitted that it was a tough call to make given the success he has had with previous coaches Tomas Krupa and David Vydra. “That was a very difficult decision for me, because my last five-six years were very stable, of a very high standard with results. Last year was not so great, but to do a change like that, I felt I needed to do it if I wanted to improve in Slams, if I want to look for some big results. That is the reason why I made it and definitely what I am looking for right now,” he said.
The two time Dubai finalist is now also looking ahead to one of his favourite tournaments which starts in just under three week’s time, saying he revels in the condition in Dubai.
“This tournament always has an extremely tough draw. I enjoy the fact, the challenge and being part of it. It’s a place I have been doing quite well with some good results. Over the last two years, I made the finals losing to Djokovic and then lost to Federer last year. It’s not an easy draw at all. I am really looking forward to it this year. It’s easy to say I want to go one further but it all starts with your first opponent and then you want to go all the way,” he said.
