Tomas Berdych is remaining upbeat ahead of his clash with defending champion Rafael Nadal at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship following his lackluster 2016 season.
The Czech will play the nine-time French Open champion in his opening match at the annual exhibition event in December, which rewards the winner $250,000 in prize money. Berdych has played the spaniard 23 times on the tour, losing in 19 of the encounters. His most recent win over Nadal occurred at the 2015 Australian Open when he defeated the former world No.1 in straight sets.
“For me, it’s the perfect opener to any season and I could not have asked for a better first opponent to test my game against than the current champion.” Berdych told 7days.ae.
“What’s great about this tournament is that because of the guys you play, the matches feel like the later stages of a grand slam from day one so we bring our best game all three days. I’ve felt good this year, so I hope Abu Dhabi will give me the extra boost to the 2017 season that I need.”
Draw & schedule of exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi with Murray, Raonic, Nadal, Berdych, Tsonga & Goffin in the field. pic.twitter.com/Av2e0b52xk
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) 14 November 2016
Berdych will be eager for a strong showing in his first match of the new season following his roller coaster 2016. Achieving a win-loss of 39-20, the world No.10 successfully defended his title at the Shenzhen Open in China. Shortly after his Chinese triumph, Berdych suffered three consecutive first round defeats in October, resulting in him briefly dropping out of the top 10 for the first time since 2010. Awarded an alternate entry into November’s ATP Finals, the 31-year-old opted to end his season early on doctors advice due to appendicitis.
Prior to the start of his 2017 campaign, Berdych will play in the annual International Premier Tennis League for the UAE Royals. He will participate alongside fellow players Pablo Cuevas, Martina Hingis and Ana Ivanovic.
