The shocks kept on coming on the grass-courts of Queens Club, as Tomas Berdych became the latest big name to exit the famous tournament. His conqueror, Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez who is always dangerous on grass. The 32 year old had a 4-4 H2H record with the Czech World No.6, but this was their first ever meeting on grass. Lopez going on to a record a very fine straight sets victory and move into the SF’s for the 2nd time in his career. Over in Birmingham, Ana Ivanovic continued her smooth progress at the Aegon Classic, as she swept aside Klara Koukalova of the Czcech Republic 6-1, 6-4.
ATP Queens: Day 5 Friday, QF’s
Lopez vs Berdych
Feliciano Lopez is no slouch on the grass. The Spaniard is one of only 3 active Spanish players along with Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer that have reached the QF’s or better at Wimbledon. In fact Lopez has reached the last 8 of the Championships on 3 occasions in 2005, 2008 and 2011. These are actually his best results at any Major.
In the first set, Lopez used his cunning slice to get the big man down to his knees and force some errors.
This was a good tactic from him, as he went onto to win the opening set 6-4.
In the 2nd second set, Berdych was much more alert and able to deal with Lopez’s slice a lot better.
Lopez though wouldn’t go way and kept on chipping away at the Czech’s game.
With neither player getting away, a tie-break was inevitable and that’s where they eventually found themselves.
Lopez felt pretty confident heading into the breaker, given he we won his previous match against Kenny De Schepper in the 3rd rd in 3 tough tie-breaks.
But it looked like his confidence had deserted him somewhat, when Berdych found himself with 3 set points up 6-3.
But just like Andy Murray did in his 2nd rd match with Radek Stepanek, Berdych let a valuable lead slip through his hands.
Lopez then was more than happy to make him pay and pay he did, as the 32 year old would go on to edge Tomas 9-7.
Queens, QF results:
1-Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) beat Marinko Matosevic (Australia) 7-5 6-3
10-Feliciano Lopez (Spain) beat 2-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 6-4 7-6(7)
15-Radek Stepanek (Czech Republic) beat 7-Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 1-6 6-3 6-2
4-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat 8-Alexandr Dolgopolov (Ukraine) walkover
WTA Birmingham: Day 5 Friday, QF
Ivanovic vs Koukalova
Ana Ivanovic is also no slouch on grass-courts. The 2007 Wimbledon SF (lost to Venus), has been breezing through the draw at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham.
After beating Mona Barthel 6-4, 6-1 in the 2nd rd and then American Lauren Davis 6-1, 6-1 in the 3rd, she quickly stormed past Czceck veteran Klara Koukalova for the loss of just 5 games.
Ivanovic then easing to victory 6-1, 6-4 and setting up a last 4 encounter with Zhang Shuai of China, who routed Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-1
Birmingham, QF results:
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (Czech Republic) beat 4-Kirsten Flipkens (Belgium) 6-4 6-2
1-Ana Ivanovic (Serbia) beat 6-Klara Koukalova (Czech Republic) 6-1 6-4
9-Zhang Shuai (China) beat 3-Sloane Stephens (U.S.) 6-3 6-1
ATP Halle, QF results:
2-Roger Federer (SUI) walkover Lu Yen-hsun (Taiwan)
4- Kei Nishikori (JPN) bt Steve Johnson (USA): 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)
Philip Kohlschreiber (Germany) bt WC Dustin Brown (Germany): 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (18-16)
Alejandro Falla (COL) bt Peter Gojowczyk (Germany): 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2)
All Things Tennis- from Hamza Shakeel 