If Stockholm Open, Sweden

[CR7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) only needed two breaks to win the match against [CR92] Dustin Brown (GER); however, he had to work very hard to get the first break.  Brown’s game is explosive, unpredictable and sometimes puerile. Brown served extremely well and made many great shots; however, the flamboyant German was too erratic and that cost him the set and finally, the match.

The first set was very competitive and both players were fully engaged; losing the set negatively affected Brown’s attitude and his level of play dropped off in the second set.  Brown was no longer enthusiastic and although he had break opportunities against Berdych, Berdych kept his composure and held on to his serve.

Berdych played well and although he missed several opportunities to convert on break chances, when it mattered, he was the more consistent player.  Brown mentally collapsed at the most critical moments in the match and Berdych took advantage. Despite the initial barrage of forehand winners by Brown, Berdych kept his calm, withstood the attack, and won the match 7-5, 6-3.