Berdych pushes Federer in Madrid battle

HEAD racquet rebel Tomas Berdych showed fantastic performances in last week’s ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid before bowing out to Roger Federer 3-6, 7-5, 7-5. The Mutua Madrilena Open being played in on experimental blue clay seemed almost perfect for the big game of sixth-seed Berdych, who tested Federer heavily in their struggle lasting 2:39.

Berdych saved three match points before ending with 10 aces and three breaks of serve. "It was a great week for me until the last day," said Berdych, who plays with a YouTek IG Instinct MP. “I beat a lot of great guys and made it to the finals. That's how it is. You always need to see the good things and the bad things and then learn from the bad things."

Federer knew he was up against tough competition when he faced Berdych, who had won three of their five most recent matches. "It's hard to find rhythm particularly with the opponent I had today. He really plays great first strike tennis, serve and return, the forehand, backhand", said the Swiss.

The HEAD player said that facing one of the best of the game is always an inspiration. "Even to lose to him is something special. He's a great champion, but I'm still the one who wants to hunt him and beat him the next time."

Roberta Vinci (YouTek IG Extreme Pro) and fellow Italian Sara Errani won the women's doubles title, defeating Russians Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina 6-1, 3-6, 10-4.

It was the third Spanish success for the pair who also lifted the trophy on clay in Marbella and Barcelona. The Madrid win was the ninth for the team. This fourth title of the season will send Vinci's team to the No. 1 spot in the race to the WTA Championships in doubles.