Berdych Wawrinka Clash in ABN AMRO Final

Berdych Wawrinka Clash in ABN AMRO Final
By Jawad Bisharat

Tomas Berdych and Stan Wawrinka clashed in the ABN AMRO final on Sunday. Wawrinka is coming off his semi-final win in a close two set battle against Canadian Milos Raonic.  Wawrinka dropping to #8 in the world secured a spot in the final by taking both tiebreakers against big serving Canadian.

Berdych starting strong with penetrating ground strokes took the first set and looked to be on his way to taking the championship but Stan had other ideas.

Stan appeared slightly sluggish to start until he secured his first break of the match halfway into the 2nd set. With a renewed energy level and confidence Wawrinka served out the 2nd set.

Berdych opened the 3rd set serving and was quickly broken off a lucky net cord winner by Wawrinka. However, to my surprise Berdych let the match slip through his fingers in his effort to defend his title and become the 5th player in tournament history to accomplish this feat.

Berdych, who in my opinion is playing the best tennis of his career was again broken to fall behind 2 breaks in the final set which sealed the victory for Wawrinka. Although Berdych was able to recover 1 of the breaks it was too big of a mountain to climb and at the end was defeated 4-6 6-3 6-4 to continue a 6 match losing streak to the big hitting Swiss.

"It's been an amazing week," said Wawrinka. "It wasn't easy, but every match I found my way. It was a great final. Tomas was playing really well, but I'm happy to turn that match for me and win the title.

"It's my first [ATP World Tour] 500 title and winning indoors is something special for me personally. It's always amazing to win a trophy. It's the best feeling."

"I'm disappointed with the way the match finished," said Berdych. "There can only be one winner. I had my chances in the beginning of the second set and I didn't make them so I think that cost me the match.

"I can see some positive things because the last time I played him it went a completely different way. I was in control in the beginning and the small differences decided it today. Next time I need to work harder."

Both players coming off good results at the Australian Open last month are playing with confidence and mental toughness. Don't be surprised to see either one in the final of Major later this year.