With an impressive career of taking out higher ranked players and winning some notable tournaments, Tomáš Berdych is sure to bring his A-game to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on December 27. Among the other players coming are US Open winner, Olympic Gold Medallist and 2009 Abu Dhabi champion Andy Murray, as well as Novak Djokovic who is confirmed to defend his title alongside Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Berdych and Janko Tipsarevic.
Taking place over three days at Zayed Sports City this event allows tennis lovers to see some world class players up close and personal. We spoke to the player who is currently ranked as number 6 in the world about his career and aspirations.
What is so special about MWTC?
Mubadala World Tennis Championship is a beautiful event to start the year with. It’s great to be able to play with the top players from the first match of the season and I’m looking forward to a good start. It helps to start your season with the top players, the more practise you have with them the more your game improves and usually you only get to go head to head with these guys once you reach the semi-finals
of a tournament. The Abu Dhabi draw is really strong, because it takes place every year so it’s a great start to the season.
If you could make your ideal tennis player, what qualities would you take from the other top ranking players?
OK, I would mix it up a bit and combine a serve from John Isner with a backhand from Novak, a forehand from myself, a return from Nadal and, for general movement on the court, I would probably split half and half between Novak and Nadal.
What is your favourite surface to play on and why?
Before, I thought grass but this year it has changed after it didn’t go well for me at Wimbledon. I almost won the Olympics and the Australia Open [played on Plexicushion] so it shows that I am able to play on any surface.
How much do you think you have improved since hiring Tomas Krupa as your coach?
My game has changed dramatically. He has brought a new energy and not only from a tennis point of view. We are much closer and have a strong connection as people, and I think this helps a lot. He has started working with me on the mental preparation which is a massive part of today’s game.
If you were a footballer, who would you be?
Probably Messi, he’s quite shy like me, I suppose.
Who do you really dread facing on court?
Novak Djokovic.
If you were not a top ten tennis player what would you be?
I started playing tennis when I was five years old so there wasn’t much time to think about anything else. Tennis is my life. I can’t really imagine being anything else.
What is the greatest match you have ever played in?
There have been many special matches but I would probably say the 2010 Wimbledon final was the most memorable. It was amazing, when you start playing tennis as a kid it’s the grand slam that you think of. Being in a grand slam final and at Wimbledon was huge, it was a real thrill.
What’s the craziest gift you have received from a fan?
Asian fans always give crazy gifts and on my first trip to Tokyo a fan gave me a Japanese phrase book: not so crazy but very cute!
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship takes place from December 27-29. Matches will be played at the Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City. A three-day package costs Dhs1,300 and tickets for individual days are available, all from www.thinkflash.ae
