Chennai: Top seed Tomas Berdych takes a lot inspiration from his country's stupendous show in 2012 as he now targets to win his his maiden Grand Slam title in the new season. Czech Republic made a clean sweep of team events in 2012, winning the Hopman Cup, Fed Cup and Davis Cup.
Berdych himself had a very successful year as he won two ATP singles titles for the first time and played an important part in his team's Davis Cup win.
"It feels just great. I've had a terrific season in 2012 and it has been just amazing, especially to win the Davis Cup final in Prague. It feels just great because I really like to play team events for my country. What's more, we are the only country to win the Hopman Cup, Fed Cup and Davis Cup in one year," a beaming Berdych said.
He is also first Czech with three straight top-10 season finishes since Ivan Lendl had 13 in a row (1980-92).
"I feel my career is moving in the right direction and really want to improve my current ranking and try to fight for a Grand Slam crown. Beating World No.2 Roger Federer twice at a Grand Slam is incomparable. It is always a special moment to play against this legend," he said.
Berdych does not have idols in real life but he believes in what Michael Jordan once said, "I always take the last shot myself not because I believe I will make it but because I want my destiny in my own hands."
Considered a dangerous player especially on grass, the hard-hitting world no.6 is among the top tennis players to have come out of the Czech Republic, a country that has produced greats such as Martina Navratilova and Ivan Lendl.
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