Who is Tomas Berdych? Roger Federer v Tomas Berdych at Wimbledon 2017
ROGER FEDERER’s hopes to continue on his path to a eighth Wimbledon title by defeating Tomas Berdych this afternoon. But who is Tomas Berdych and what is his world ranking?
Wimbledon: Djokovic forced to retire from match over injury
Tomas Berdych was gifted a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals when Novak Djokovic pulled out of their quarter-final match due to an elbow injury.
Djokovic received treatment at the end of the first set but, after an hour of play, decided he was not fit enough to continue.
“It's the elbow that already keeps bothering for over a year and a half actually,” Djokovic said afterwards.
Berdych has never won a Grand Slam but he did reach the Wimbledon final in 2010, causing some major upsets along the way.
The Czech star defeated Roger Federer in the quarter-finals and Djokovic in the semi-finals, before finally losing in straight sets to Rafael Nadal.
Berdych acknowledged that Federer is a really exceptional tennis player but said: "I just need to go out there and play my best."
Tomas Berdych got through to the semi-finals after Djokovic was forced to retire
He added: "No matter if it’s Roger or if it’s Novak, or a guy in the first round, what’s most important is myself, my game, belief in what I’m doing."
Berdych is currently ranked 15th in the men’s singles rankings, having peaked at 4th in 2015.
The 31-year-old started playing tennis when he was five and turned professional in 2002.
He has 13 titles to his name, most of which have come on hard or grass courts.
Berdych’s strongest stroke is his forehand, but he also has a dangerous serve.
When he is not playing tennis, he is a big fan of ice hockey and follows Detroit Red Wings.
Berdych has beaten Roger Federer in the past
Tomas Berdych’s path to the Wimbledon semi-final
Round of 128
Berdych beat Jérémy Chardy
Round of 64
Berdych beat Ryan Harrison
Round of 32
Berdych beat David Ferrer
Round of 16
Berdych beat Dominic Thiem
Quarter-final
Berdych beat Novak Djokovic