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Rising star Berdych triumphs in Japan

05/10/2008

Tomas Berdych won his first tournament in 16 months after beating Juan Martin Del Petro 6-1 6-4 to win the Japan Open.

The Czech star ended his drought after some impressive serving against Del Potro, who had lost just once in his previous 30 games.

Berdych cruised through the first set after breaking the Argentine three times. Del Potro took a medical time-out for stomach problems after losing the set in 22 minutes.

But ninth seed Berdych continued his dominance in the second set and broke early to take a 2-1 lead. The Czech maintained his pinpoint serving and clinched the match on his serve for the fifth title of his career.

Berdych admitted he benefited from Del Potro feeling below-par in the opening set.

"Everyone could see he had a problem, but he took some pills and was getting back into the match," the 23-year-old said.

"It might have been different if Juan Martin was feeling better but I served well and everything came together."

Meanwhile, fifth-seed Del Potro said he was outplayed by his opponent.

"I was a little confused with his game," Del Potro said.

"After the first set, I started to play a little better but it was too late. I didn't have a chance to do anything with his game."