News & Photos
Day 9 - (1) Novak Djokovic v (5) Tomas Berdych
Head-to-head
| Pretty much one-way traffic – Djokovic has won 11 out of the pair’s 12 matches. Djokovic’s wins have all come on hard or clay courts. | An almost dirty dozen for Berdych – his one win came on grass at Wimbledon 2010, the year he made it to the final. |
Will win if...
| He recovers from his epic five-set win over Stanislas Wawrinka. Djokovic and Wawrinka pummeled each other for a tick over five hours – can Djokovic get himself up for another tough opponent in time? | He finds a way to dictate play. Wawrinka almost did it – a combination of brilliant shot-making from the back of the court plus the willingness to move forward and apply pressure to Djokovic’s passing ability appears to be the way to win. Wawrinka made 58 trips to the net in his close loss to Djokovic; will Berdych be so bold? |
Heading in...
| AO 2013 was a fairly smooth ride for the top seed until he ran into an inspired Wawrinka. Much will depend on Djokovic’s power of recovery in the lead-up to this match. | ‘Big Berd’ has been a model of efficiency in week one – four matches, four straight-sets wins. |
Look out for...
| Focus. Djokovic got a scare in the fourth round; now he is into the quarterfinals he will be doubly wary. Berdych is the fifth seed – expect Djokovic to be switched on from the first game. | Berdych to finally drop a set this tournament. |
Know this stat
| Djokovic is 18-6 in five-set matches (.750). | Berdych’s career record in five set matches is 16-7 (.696) |
X-factor
| Return of serve. Djokovic is one of the best returners in the game. Berdych will need to serve up a storm if he’s to overthrow the reigning King of Melbourne Park. | Berdych is hungry for a major. With Djokovic coming off a tough match, now is the time for Berdych to strike. |