Slumping Wawrinka Steamrolls Berdych in London
Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka channeled some of the form that helped him win the 2014 Australian Open in January, blowing past sixth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych 6-1, 6-1 in the opening round of the ATP Finals on Monday.
Wawrinka entered the tournament with losses in four of his last five matches, but came out firing in his ATP Finals debut. The Swiss lost just three points on serve in the opening set as he took the first frame in just 25 minutes.
After the two traded holds to open up the second set, Wawrinka notched a crucial break point that Berdych was unable to bounce back from. From up 2-1, Wawrinka rattled off the final four games of the set to cruise to the 58-minute victory. It was the least amount of games he has lost in his 34 career top 10 wins.
“I didn’t expect to win that easy,” said Wawrinka. “But I was ready to play well. I had a great week of preparation. Even if the result wasn’t there in Basel and Paris, I was feeling the ball really well on the practice court.”
Wawrinka won five break points and did not even surrender a break opportunity to Berdych, who has now lost his last five matches against Wawrinka. The Czech committed 20 unforced errors and hit three double-faults.
“Unfortunately, it was my worst match of the whole season and I kept it for the start here,” said Berdych, who has now lost all five of his ATP World Tour Finals’ opening round matches. “Today, I didn’t really feel anything right. I can just keep fighting and try to play good tennis.”
The victory bolts Wawrinka to the top of Group A, while Berdych dug himself a hole at the bottom of the standings.
The final opening-round match from London will take place later today as world number one Novak Djokovic battles with 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic.
