World number two Novak Djokovic of Serbia continues his impressive run in the Asian leg of ATP Tour events this year by reaching the final of the 2012 Shanghai Rolex Masters. He defeated Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-4 to continue his mastery over his opponent (10-1 in career head to head meetings). Djokovic will next face Britain’s Andy Murray in the final – in the rematch of last month’s US Open 2012 final.
“I don’t like the word ‘revenge.’ I never like revenge,” Djokovic said.
“I just play tennis and I try to win every match that I play. He’s a bit more aggressive [since losing the Wimbledon final]. It’s obvious on the court. He goes more for his forehand, which wasn’t his strength in the past. Now this year he’s improved that stroke and he’s more confident on the court, has more self belief. He’s got the results. He won a Grand Slam,” he added.
Djokovic won the China Open title last week and continues his run at this ATP 1000 Masters event. He’s now closing on to the top ranking by reaching this far in the tournament, which he opted to skip last year.
“Obviously it’s a big challenge when you play a Top 10 player,” said Djokovic.
“Tomas is in great form the past couple of months. He’s always a difficult player to play against on any surface because he has a very powerful serve and great forehand. I played tactically right. I was putting a lot of returns into the court, putting a lot of pressure on his serve. On the other hand, I was serving well when I needed to,” he added, referring to his semifinal opponent.
Djokovic has reached the Shanghai Masters semifinals twice in the past (in 2009 where he lost to Nikolay Davydenko and 2010 – lost to Federer).
“He’s a great player,” Berdych said of his opponent.
“I think just the game that he plays; it’s not the one that suits my game that much. I like to play quite aggressive. But this doesn’t hurt him that much. So it’s much more difficult for me to play him. He’s the second player in the world, chasing for the first place. It’s really tough to find the way and have a positive record with him,” he added.
Watch Shanghai Rolex Masters Djokovic vs Murray Final Live Online Coverage Video Stream
