QUOTE OF THE DAY: Tomas Berdych

"I just said to my coach now that I probably played over 700 matches in my career, and I met guys like Andre, Roger, all those probably in their best times. But I have never, ever experienced anything like that."

- A stunned Tomas Berdych after his 6-0, 6-2 drubbing at the hands of Novak Djokovic in the China Open final

High praise. The only time they were on the same playing field was right before the first ball was struck. Nole literally raced out to a 6-0, 5-0 lead before finally getting broken by Berd. It was simply an awesome performance against a quality opponent by the 5-time champ, who remains unbeaten in Beijing.

Nole stated earlier in the week that securing the year-end No.1 spot was a big priority for him, and the possibility of achieving it again gives him motivation. No kidding.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: The 2014 China Open Player Party

The China Open Player Party has come a long way. So long traditional garb, hello sometimes questionable fashion choices. But I have to say, for the most part [SPOILER ALERT] these looks aren't screaming, "Wait, what the hell were you, or your stylist, thinking?!"

It's safe to say our ballers have come a long way, too.

THE GUYS

Novak Djokovic. The Serb usually goes for relatively safe, classic looks for these events and this outfit is no exception. First of all, I love the blue, but Nole's bordering ever so slightly on game show host here.

Rafael Nadal. I wasn't kidding when I said they've come a long way, especially Rafa. Back in the day, he would never show up wearing anything that actually fit him well. That's no longer the case. Aside from the slicked back hair, I think he looks quite good here.

Tomas Berdych. I'm not a huge fan of denim made to be distressed. I much prefer either raw denim or denim that has been distressed naturally and over time. In this case, Big Berd's jeans give his look some edge and make it less conservative than Rafa's. As we've seen on-court with his H&M kits, the Czech isn't afraid to be bold.

THE LADIES

 

Serena Williams. She dares to be different and this striking dress is no exception. It's certainly in the theme of the evening. But if ReRe's trying to out-Milos Milos Raonic with her one-sleeve number, SHE WINS.

Ana Ivanovic. I'll keep it short here and say she looks lovely. It feels like, on-court and off, she's coming into her own this year.

 

Caroline Wozniacki. What I just wrote for Ana? Ditto for Woz. Great look.

Simona Halep. If this haircut is a new one, it's fantastic. Plus, the pops of yellow against the simple black dress are just right.

Genie Bouchard. You really can't go wrong with a great pair of jeans, a simple white blouse and black heels, and easy flowing hair. Smart, classic look.

Andrea Petkovic. Head-to-toe black is easy and always looks chic. Petko gives the outfit a little kick with these fantastic shoes.

Heather Watson. Fine, she's still very young as this outfit shows. It's a little casual for this event, in my opinion, but at least she's not trying to look older.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

(NSFW) PHOTO OP: Venus, Berdych, and their glorious ass-ets

ESPN just released images of a naked Venus Williams and Tomas Berdych that will appear in their annual "Body Issue." V looks amazing and she gave a great interview to ESPN to accompany the issue. And Tomas? Well, his nickname is Big Berd, but perhaps it should be "Coppertone Baby."

[Photo(s) credit: ESPN]

WIMBLEDON: Ones to watch in the gentlemen's draw

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

Here are the boys I'll be watching very closely this fortnight. No real surprises, because it would be an absolute shocker if one of the "Big Four" - all past champs - doesn't capture the title. But there are a few in the draw who could certainly cause them some issues.

Rafael Nadal. There’s never been a baller in the history of the game that owned a tourney the way Rafa rules Roland Garros. Seriously, one loss in 66 matches? Siiiick. But, unlike the clay where he always reigns supreme, the grass has not been kind to Rafa as of late. The world’s top baller seemed to have mastered the slick stuff earlier in his career, playing in two straight finals before playing arguably the best match, like, EVER when he pocketed his first Championships crown in 2008. He repeated the feat in 2010 over Tomas Berdych. But the last two years Rafa has sputtered out of the gates with a second and first round loss, respectively. If pre-Wimby results are an omen, it’s not looking good again this year. The 28-year old lost in Halle to Dustin Brown in his first match on grass. We’ll all be anxiously awaiting to see Rafa’s form in his first match.

Novak Djokovic. If there’s mystery concerning Rafa’s grass-court losses, there are even more questions surrounding Nole’s losses in his last three major final appearances, including two to Rafa and one to Andy Murray. Can you believe it’s been a year and half since he won his last major at the 2013 Oz Open? For someone with as much pride as he has, it’s got to hurt. The Serb was clearly not at his physical best in the Roland Garros final although he made a late surge in the fourth, and final, set. But he seemed spent and it went down pretty meekly at the end. Speaking of physical issues, he worried his fans again when he pulled out of The Boodles, a pre-Wimby exo this weekend, due to concerns with the wrist injury he sustained during the clay-court swing. There’s a lot of pressure on Nole to right the ship, get back to his Grand Slam-winning ways, and prove the addition of Boris Becker was a smart one (the jury’s still out on that).

Roger Federer. If there’s anywhere that could take the bitter taste out of his 5-set defeat to Ernest Gulbis in the French Open fourth round, it’s at Wimbledon. He owns 7 titles and a 67-8 record on the tourney’s historic lawns. But last year, a strange thing happened; the Swiss fell to Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round, ending his streak of 36-straight quarterfinals at majors. Even thinking about it now, the result was pretty shocking. But the word coming out of his own mouth right is “contender.” This year," Fed said, "I feel all the options are there. Return, serve, serve and volley, come in, my backhand -- everything is working to my liking.” It’s been two years since he won his last major (at the All England Club, of course), and if what he says is true, that drought could end this fortnight.

Andy Murray. It was good to see Muzz’s game finally start to come together in Paris where he made the semifinals for the second time. Even though Rafa crushed him, the Brit baller played some of his best tennis since undergoing back surgery and splitting with Ivan Lendl. And the timing couldn’t have been better. Muzz became a national hero when he won Wimbledon last season, the first British man accomplish the feat since 1936. Although he says there’s less pressure this year, his country will still be looking for the repeat. The addition of former champ Amelie Mauresmo as coach and the timing of it add an intriguing twist to this storyline. It usually takes time for a new coaching partnership to start paying off. We’ll see the results very soon.

Grigor Dimitrov. Big things have always been expected of Grisha and the he hasn’t usually handled the pressure well. But this year his game has been steadily building along with his confidence. He reached his first major quarterfinal in Oz and captured his first title on clay in Bucharest. Unfortunately, the Bulgarian faced off against the towering Ivo Karlovic in the opening round in Paris and was beaten in straight sets. But the 23-year old has rebounded well, winning his first title on grass at Queen’s Club and beating Stanislas Wawrinka and Feliciano Lopez along the way. With his versatility, movement, and all-court style, Grisha has a game tailor-made for the grass. 

Milos Raonic. Like Grisha, the Canadian has made a steady rise this season, reaching his first major quarterfinal last month in Paris (the first Canadian man to do so). Although their games are very different, Milos, like Grisha, has a game that translates to all surfaces, but especially the grass. The serve alone should win him a game or two easily. But his movement, unlike Grisha’s, is a work in progress and it could hurt him on the slick stuff. That being said, he’s still a very dangerous prospect on this surface regardless.

Ernests Gulbis. “Less talk, more action” is the refrain most people in the tennis world would use when referring to Curlbis. You could always score a nifty sound bite from the Latvian, but little else until now. It seems he has finally put in the work to match the talent, and it showed in Paris where he upended Fed in five sets and reached his first major seminfinal. His record at Wimbledon is a measly 5-6 with his best effort being last year when he reached the third round. But as we saw at Roland Garros, it’s a new Curlbis. Can he keep the momentum going?

Others to eyeball:

Stanislas Wawrinka. The Swiss has had spotty results since winning his first Grand Slam title at the Aussie Open, including an opening round loss in Paris. He went right back to work, though, reaching the semifinals at Queen’s Club. He’s never been past the fourth round at Wimbledon, but that could change.

Tomas Berdych. A former finalist, the Czech can never seem to close the deal when it matters most. At Wimbledon, he has the best winning percentage out of the four majors (71.88%) and his power game flourishes on the stuff. With a new crop of hungry young ballers readying to make their mark, it’s only going to get tougher for Tomas to make that long-awaited breakthrough.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

FASHION FIX: Striped socks! At the US Open!

No, it's not your eyes. Those are stripes. On a sock. 

So, at least one of my tennis fashion dreams has finally come true. The other one is, of course, shorty-shorts on the boys, and that one is even starting to happen (hello, legs).

H&M has already come a long way from where they started with Tomas Berdych earlier this year in Oz. And it's a different look for Big Berd, who always leaned towards classic looks with Nike. We've definitely moved into more fashionable territory.

Oh yeah. He won his second round match, too.

[Photo(s) credit: AP Photo/Mike Groll]

PHOTO OP: The 2013 BNP Paribas Open Player Party

I love a good party. It's a chance to dress up, perhaps in something you wouldn't usually wear, have a few laughs and get totally smashed. On second thought, you never want to be that person at the party who ends up seeing their drunken escapades on YouTube. And, I'm not speaking from experience. Pinky swear. 

Anyway, some of the ballers on the ATP and WTA tours put on their party best (or worst, in some cases) for last night's BNP Paribas Open Player Party held at the IW Club. Let's have a look.

THE BOY BALLERS: 

Novak Djokovic: Dayum. Oh right. I actually love the monochromatic look here. It helps to dress up the casual but very classic look. Great navy suede bucks to break it up.

Click on the headline for more looks from last night's bash!

PHOTO OP: Tomas Berdych in all his glory

Looks like Tomas Berdych, who will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Marseille final tomorrow, is getting something stretched. Not sure if it's what he was hoping for, though. But he looks happy sooooooo...

This pic is in desperate need of a caption. It's calling out, crying for one. Someone? Anyone?

[Photo(s) credit: Tomas Berdych FB page]

FASHION FIX: Tomas Berdych in H&M

No, you're not looking at Tomas Berdych's practice kit. The Czech baller, who had been sponsored by Nike for years, is now working H&M, beginning at this year's Australian Open and off court as well.

I'm all for simple and classic, but these duds are severely under the top. Maybe it was a rush job or something. Hopefully, the fashion brand will give him something more like fashion in the near future. 

As for the shorts, I'm not sure what everyone is bitching about on Twitter. They're not that short. Gimme 70's McEnroe/Borg crotch huggers any day on ballers with legs like Big Berd. Besides, someone needed to carry Vika's torch this year.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty]

PHOTO OP: Tomas Berdych is all wet

"So, how long can you hold your breath under water? Just curious..."

I know you're just dying to see the rest of Tomas Berdych taking a swim during a break from the Australian Open. More pics after the jump - click the headline.

P.S. If I had my way around the marketing of tennis, you know this would be my strategy. All. The. Time.

PHOTO OP: The VICTORY stance

"Ya heard?!?!"

I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it with my own eyes. Homeboy Stephane Robert, a 31-year old journeyman, caused a major upset at Roland Garros shocking Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 9-7 in the first round to the roar of the French crowd. Though he fell behind two sets Steph never relented, getting on top of the ball in the latter part of the match and striking down-the-line winners at will. He ended with 62 winners to only 40 for the Czech. The Frenchie will face off against Brows a.ka. Fabio Fognini for a spot in the third round.

As for Big Berd he'll lose a shit load of points after reaching the final four last year. Then, of course, there's Wimbledon where he was a finalist falling to Rafael Nadal. Let's hope the grass is indeed greener for him.

[Photo(s): Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Doing it dapper, London-style

London is the place to be at the moment, with the engagement heard 'round the world between Prince William + Kate Middleton and, of course, next week's ATP World Tour Finals. Okay, so maybe the newlyweds and that ginormous blue-sapphire engagement ring ice rink will still be hogging all of the attention (and then some) when the first ball is served at the O2 Arena, but we tennis fans can still shower the boys with some love. I mean, look - they got all gussied up and stuff for us (and Prime Minister David Cameron!)

After reviewing the pics from today's media call with the boys, I made a number of very important observations:

1) Bring on the beard, Nole. Just make me drool damn it.

2) Big Berd is a beauty. Still can't find a bad pic of him.

3) Speaking of Berdy, extra style points to the Czech and (gasp!) Muzz for rocking the brown footwear with their suits and bucking the black trend. It's smart, uses contrast to add pop and helps them stand out from the rest.

4) Dear A-Rod: You balding. Bad. Deal, for the love of GAWD (are you listening Rafa?)

More images of the boys doing dapper after the jump - click the headline, y'all.

PHOTO OP: A return to the throne

It wasn't the supreme Rafael Nadal on display today who stopped Brit Andy Murray in the Wimbledon semifinals. But the World No. 1's game was good enough to earn his second championship at the All England Club and eighth major title.

The Mallorcan Matador showed some cracks in his usually stalwart game during his 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 win over Tomas Berdych including some uncharacteristic errors on his fave forehand side. He offered up 4 break point chances on his serve in the match but the Czech was never able to convert on any of these opportunities, particularly in the opening game of the second set when he missed three chances to take the lead. And, in typical fashion, Rafa played the scoreline well, amping up his aggression in the key moments of each game, each set to take the advantage.

Unfortunately, Big Berd never found a good rhythm on his massive serve and struggled to get first deliveries in the box throughout ending the match with a 59% on first serves. Rafa made him pay for this lapse, running the 6' 5" baller to all parts of the court and causing him to hit shots out of his comfort zone. The second seed ended the match on a forehand passing shot and dropped to the dirt to celebrate the win. Oh, and he treated the crowd to a low-impact somersault topped off with a double fist pump for dessert. Yums.


"This year, I came back and to have the trophy in my hand is more than I can dream," Rafa told the crowd on Centre Court afterward. "[It] was probably one of the toughest moments in my career. Winning here was always my dream. I did it two years ago, did it again this year. Unbelievable."

With his eighth major title he ties Fred Perry, Ken Rosewall, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl and Andre Agassi on the all-time list and is one of only four ballers in history to win eight majors before the age of 25, the others being Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg. Pretty spectacular company, eh? Plus he's now twice earned one of the toughest achievements in tennis: the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double.

As for Big Berd he did well in his first major final appearance. He got off the mark nicely but his game seemed to be missing the same intensity he'd shown in defeating Fed and Novak Djokovic. His movement wasn't as fluid, either, forcing him to hit off-balance at times and his biggest weapons - serve, forehand - apparently went on walkabout. But he made a real breakthrough this fortnight and as an all-court baller he'll surely make a big impact on the North American hard-court swing leading up to the final Slam of the year, the U.S. Open.

Check out more images from Rafa's Wimby win below!









[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Rafael Nadal to face Tomas Berdych for the Wimbledon men's championship!

Like the ladies' final between Serena Williams + Vera Zvonareva, the men's final on Sunday will feature a reigning World No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champ versus a major final virgin when Rafael Nadal faces Tomas Berdych for the Wimbledon men's championship.

The Mallorcan Matador was at his best in the key moments of his 6-4, 7-6 (8), 6-4 defeat of Andy Murray in their semifinal match today. The Brit baller stayed with Rafa for most of the match except in one critical area: break point chances. Rafa was able to convert 3 of 4 opportunities compared to 1 of 3 for Muzz. Moreover, the second seed had tremendous success coming forward making 23 of 26 (88%) net approaches compared to 16 of 28 (57%) for his opponent. Now the Brits will have to wait another year for a chance to bring the crown home. But what's another one when you've been waiting 74 already?

It wouldn't have been surprising to see Tomas Berdych have a letdown after ousting 6-time champ Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. But the Czech pretty boy's game never faltered during his 6-3, 7-6 (11), 6-3 win over Novak Djokovic. He still served big, winning 81% of his first serves and 64% of his second deliveries, and cracked 34 winners compared to 25 for the Serb. The 12th seed played first strike tennis and ran Nole side to side preventing him from controlling the center of the court.

The third seed seemed content to stay at the baseline and rally but fortunes smile upon those who are willing to take risks on the slick stuff. He, like Muzz, needed to have a more aggressive stance in the rallies and their opponents made them pay the price for waiting. And without a kill shot like the explosive forehands of Roger Federer or Rafa that can break open a point with one swing, they're forced to scramble just to win points - not a great recipe for success at Wimbledon.

This meeting is the 11th between Rafa + Berdy with the Spaniard leading the H2H 7-3. Their last meeting on grass was here in 2007 with Rafa winning 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-2.


Here's what the 7-time Grand Slammer said about his opponent in Sunday's final:

Q. What do you think about Tomas Berdych?

RAFAEL NADAL: Amazing. He did amazing tournament. I think he played very good match against Federer; very good match today against Djokovic. He save difficult match against Brands. Yeah, he's the best of his draw, so for that reason he's in the final. No one opponent can be more difficult than Tomas to play this final.

Q. Your feelings about the matchup against Berdych in this particular match on grass, is there a style that you're expecting to see from him or what?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, Tomas is a very aggressive player, very good serve, very good flat shots from the baseline. So gonna be very, very difficult. Very difficult match. Is very difficult to stop him when he's playing well, and he's playing really well. So gonna be very difficult to play against him.

And what did Berdy have to say about getting this far at Wimbledon?

Q. What does it feel like to be in the final?

TOMAS BERDYCH: Well, I mean, right now it's great feeling so far. I'm just trying to be enjoying the victory of today. You know, I think I will try to do the same as I did after Roger. So, you know, today just be thinking about today's match, and since tomorrow, just leave it on side and just get ready for the finals.

I'm still not done yet here. One more to go.

On paper Rafa is, of course, the heavy fave to win his - gasp! - eighth major title at the ripe old age of 24. He's won here before and owns superior experience over his opponent in these situations. However, the Czech is brimming with confidence and playing like he belongs - and he does. He's playing beautifully but well within himself. Moreover, he's been staying calm when challenged and not getting caught up in any past errors.

The first few games of the final will be important and telling of the Czech's state of mind. If Berdy comes out relaxed he could potentially hit Rafa off Centre Court. But if he comes out nervy, the second seed will smell blood and draw the 6' 5" baller into extended rallies - a winning strategy for Rafa. So, make no mistake about it: Berdy will need to be on his 'A' game and serve/return well to have any hope of stopping the Matador on Sunday.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

HE SAID/HE SAID: Wimbledon Day Nine

Q. Roger said he had some physical problems; that his back and leg were bothering him. What did you notice and what is your reaction to him saying that?

TOMAS BERDYCH: Yeah, I mean, I don't know if he just looking for some excuses after the match or something like that. I mean, it happened to all of us. You know, I think he's been every time when he played, he was I think hundred percent ready.

So maybe right now he's getting some more troubles with the health. But, you know, I think it just happen today. So I didn't know that. I just heard it first time like you said it right now. So, yeah, just to him hope that he's gonna get back soon and that's it what I can just wish him.

Q. He also said he was unlucky and that he definitely gave the match away. What are your thoughts about that?

TOMAS BERDYCH: I don't know in which point he was saying that he was unlucky, if any specific moment or something.

Q. He was saying generally or on big points.

TOMAS BERDYCH: Okay. I mean, yeah, maybe you can take it for both ways. You can say that he was unlucky or you can say that maybe the opponent was a little bit better and he just won the big points against him. In his position, then he lost the match.

You know, I think, yeah, he's a great player. I mean, but still, I mean, when I just read some newspapers in the morning, I was not surprised, but, you know, to heard something from him to the way that he's fine, nothing is bothering him. When we played the last match, I lost. But last time in Wimbledon, I won pretty easily. You know, stuff like that.

You know, I saw him quite first time from him the reactions like that. So whatever. I'm in different position. I'm just enjoying the win today, and this is just everything behind me.

Q. Will this [loss] make you hungrier to make you come back and show you can lift this title again?

ROGER FEDERER: Sure. God, I can't wait for Paris and Wimbledon to come around next year again, that's for sure. So, uhm, because they've been frustrating tournaments for me, even though it wasn't too bad.

Quarters is a decent result. Obviously people think quarters is shocking, but people would die to play in quarterfinal stages of Grand Slam play. It's not something I'm used to doing, losing in quarterfinals, because it's not something I've done in the last six years.

So I am winning my matches. Today was a different story than Paris. I mean, I think in Paris conditions were tough. Robin played fantastic. Today was different. You know, I was struggling with my own game and with my physique.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to a rest, and then attack again in North America.

Q. What concern do you have that the injuries will linger?

ROGER FEDERER: Not much of a concern.

Q. Do you feel you can get back to a position of domination in tennis?

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I do think that. That's why I'm here.

Q. You were upset about the overrule call there. What did the chair umpire say to you? How did he explain that? You seemed to start playing very well after that. You had a run of points. What happened there?

RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, you know, for the umpire sometimes is not easy to make the right decision. For me today was too important point, because was 30‑All to make this drastic decision. For sure if you asking me if that ball affect me, I said yes. When the line say 'out,' I play the shot like this without.

I mean, was a mistake, but everybody can have a mistake. Yes, after that I played very good point on the breakpoint against. I was little bit lucky to do the break in the first game on his serve in the second set. After, I think I played a great match.

Q. You seemed very fired up or angry immediately after that point. Do you think it helped you, the call?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, no, no. Was an important moment for me, because if he did the break in the first game of the second, gonna be hard to accept for me.

But anyway, I gonna fight all the match. But I saved that point, and after that change everything. I think I started to play much better. He started to do a few mistakes, because in the beginning he didn't have no one.

I'm very happy. Very difficult and very important win for me.

Q. How are the courts playing? There's been no rain at all. How are the courts playing?

RAFAEL NADAL: Perfect.

Q. Perfect?

RAFAEL NADAL: Is dry.

Q. Just your conditions?

RAFAEL NADAL: Lot of clay behind the baseline (smiling.) You can move well, so... Perfect conditions.

Q. Do you think Rafa is playing as well this year as anyone? How does he compare, his level, as in the French Open?

ROBIN SODERLING: Well, I think he's playing well. He's hitting the ball very well. Of course, he's moving well, as always.

But, you know, it's very difficult to compare how he's playing on grass compared to clay. But he's the world No. 1, and I think he's playing pretty solid tennis. He's got a good chance to win this one.

Q. You say he has a good chance to win the tournament?

ROBIN SODERLING: I think so, yeah. I think everybody still in has a good chance. But now that Roger lost, I'd pick him as the favorite.

Q. You looked excited by your performance today.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yeah, it's really refreshing, you know, to perform this way I'd say after a while. You know, I was struggling with the level of my performance throughout the last five, six months. It was a lot of ups and downs.

But right now I'm playing great. It definitely makes me happy.

Q. You said the game has changed for you. You've been struggling for the last couple months. What has changed or turned the tide for you?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I don't think game‑wise I was far away from my maximum and from my top game in the last couple months. It was more like a mental struggle, I guess. I wasn't finding myself on the court. I was ‑‑ uhm, had too much distractions, meaning mental discomfort on the court; wasn't feeling great; had a lot of ups and downs.

But it's a part of the sport, part of the career. You just have to accept it that way. I'm sure everybody has been through that little mini crisis if you want to call it.

But it's important to take the best out of it and continue in the right way. That's what I did. I just want to look forward now.

Q. Now you got to one Grand Slam quarterfinal. Have you got more in you?

YEN‑HSUN LU: I mean, is great. Is great for me. Now I know how I can reach the quarterfinal. Is good experience for me.

And I cannot say next time I play the US Open or next time coming back I have to be quarterfinal. But I know, and I knew, how I have to be, then I can reach the quarterfinal.

So I like to coming back here again and to play good tennis and to be ready next year. And also I hope I can play next time against Djokovic again. I mean, probably he's now happy. Today's too easy for him. I mean, I will try my best next year, yeah.

Q. What aspects of your game do you think you have to improve to compete with guys like Djokovic today?

YEN‑HSUN LU: I mean, I think of course probably I need to find some way to get the points. I think we play a little bit similar, but he's playing more fast, more aggressive than me. Also the returns, I have to bring more back to him, then I have chance to play the points.

So, I mean, everything I have, I still have space to improve. I mean, I'm not just think, Yeah, is great, is finish my career. I know I have many things to improve. Serve, you know. Physically, forehand, backhand, everything. I have to discuss my coach, conditioning trainer also, to see what we can do the next.

Q. What are your thoughts on the keys to playing well against Nadal?

ANDY MURRAY: Well, you need to serve well and you need to play great tennis. It's not, you know ‑‑ there's not one way to play against him. You don't want to leave the ball in the middle of the court to his forehand, because you'll do a lot of running.

But you've got to serve well and, you know, try and, you know, keep a good length and play well really, really, really well.

Q. How much have you seen of Nadal here this year and what have you made of him?

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I've seen him play a little bit. Not that much. You know, we've been playing a lot of our matches ‑‑ we obviously play on the same day, and you're kind of focused on your match and obviously preparing for that.

Uhm, I saw a little bit of his match against Robin Haase and a little bit of his match against Petzschner. I followed his match with Petzschner. I saw a bit of that.

He's playing great. He's in the semifinals of a Grand Slam and he beat Soderling today, who's, well, playing the best tennis of his career. You know, he's a great player, too. So he's obviously playing very well.

Q. Do you take any sort of psychological edge after beating him in Australia?

ANDY MURRAY: No. I think, you know, he would definitely be the favorite for the match, you know, with his results here the last few years.

You know, he obviously didn't get a chance to defend his title last year, but he's played three finals in a row and now he's in the semis here.

You know, he's obviously a very tough player on any surface, but he plays great tennis here. No, I mean, psychologically I need to believe that I can win the match. That's the most important thing.

Q. Everyone in England will get excited about Murray maybe winning Wimbledon. How do you rate his chances?

JO‑WILFRIED TSONGA: Yeah, I hope is gonna be him. I told him, you know, at the net, Make me a pleasure; go all the way, you know.

Yeah, I hope he will win because it's a good player. It's never easy to play, you know, in front of his crowd. He's really strong, and I hope he will win.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]