This match is notable for the fact that Tomas Berdych is in with a real chance of winning the BMW Open this year. His second round match in Munich, against Pere Riba, should end in success if his credentials are what they appear to be.
Berdych, the world number sixteen, has had a very good start to the season, reaching the semi-finals at Brisbane and the finals at Miami. If it weren’t for Andy Roddick, Berdych would have a huge amount to be cheerful about this year. Berdych looked particularly menacing in Miami, and recorded wins over Roger Federer, Fernando Verdasco, and Robin Soderling respectively.
Riba is a young talent, who has performed very well in the Challenger tournaments this year, winning in Barletta back in March. Whilst he has all of the makings of a very good player, Berdych will surely be expecting to get past him here, and will have his sights already set on the later rounds.
