Australian Open: Tomas Berdych rallies past Del Potro to reach last 16
Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych celebrates beating Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in their men's singles third round match. Photograph:( AFP )
Tomas Berdych d Juan Martin Del Potro, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2
Veteran Tomas Berdych reached the round of 16 for the 10th time at the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Juan Martin Del Potro on Saturday.
The 32-year Czech eliminated the 12th-seeded Argentine 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 in 2hr 16min on Hisense Arena.
Berdych, who has played in the semi-finals twice in Melbourne, will face Italian journeyman Fabio Fognini in their first Grand Slam match in Monday's fourth round.
Czech-mate!@tomasberdych hits 52 winners to d 12th seed Juan Martin #DelPotro 6-3 6-3 6-2 and becomes the first ???????? man in the Open Era to reach the #AusOpen round of 16 for the 10th time. pic.twitter.com/l98KT5Tfx9
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018
Berdych served up 20 aces, broke serve seven times and hit 52 winners with 28 unforced errors.
"I think I was well prepared and I stuck with my plan and I'm glad as I can stand here as a winner today," Berdych said on court.
"Juan Martin is a great competitor and I'm glad he is back after all the injuries that he's had. Tennis was missing him and it's great that he's back."
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