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Berdych: I need to take more risks


Berdych has reached the quarter-finals or better at every tournament he has played this year, but has not reached a final since he won a third Stockholm title in October.

He started his season in Doha, where he lost in the semi-finals to world No.1 Novak Djokovic before defeat to Roger Federer in the Australian Open quarter-finals. The Czech lost to eventual champion Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals in Marseille before a second defeat in as many weeks to the Australian in Dubai.

But Berdych, whose best result at Indian Wells was a semi-final appearance in 2013, believes the conditions in the Californian desert are well suited to his game.

“The conditions are quite fast but it suits my game.,” said Berdych, who has beaten the likes of Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Roddick in previous years.  “I can play aggressively here.”

Berdych, who retired from his Davis Cup rubber against Philipp Kohlschreiber at the weekend, believes a more aggressive approach is his best chance of success.

“I’m trying to work on being a bit more aggressive, a bit more risky,” said Berdych, who is preparing to make his 12th appearance at the ATP Masters 1000 event. “I have to do a little extra to raise my level and to do better.”


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.