Berdych and Radwanska Are Both Winners at China Open

October 10, 2011 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Tomas_Berdych_01
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg

Tomas Berdych from the Czech Republic defeated Croatia’s Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to win the China Open, and on the women’s side, it was  Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska who defeated Andrea Petkovic of Germany, 7-5, 0-6, 6-4 to claim the women’s title.

“To bring this title really means a lot to me," said Berdych. "After 29 months, it’s been quite a long time, so I’m happy that I could break this up."

Cilic, of Croatia, seemed firmly in command in the first set, making few mistakes and serving strongly. Berdych held on. however, it was Berdych who eventually wore him down and took all four of the final games.

“I’m feeling a little disappointed by the loss today,” said Cilic. "I didn’t give up. A few points decided the second set … then the third set went the way it did."

In the women’s final, 11th-seeded Radwanska recovered after failing to win a single game in the second set in a match lasting more than two-and-a-half hours. Radwanska holds a 5-0 career mark against Petkovic.

“I tried to focus on my game, playing a bit more aggressively,” said Radwanska. “We played unbelievable today. I really just better by a couple of points. I think it was the best final I’ve played."

The two broke each other’s serves repeatedly over lengthy rallies before Radwanska finally pulled ahead 5-4 in the decider and served out for the win after the ninth-seeded Petkovic saved the first match point.

Radwanska’s third title of the year came on the heels of her victory in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Oct. 1.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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