Berdych First Into Semis

Tomas Berdych advanced to the semi-finals of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters for the third time on Friday. The Czech was leading Milos Raonic 5-2 when the Canadian was forced to retire with a foot injury.

“I’m through, I’m in the semi-finals, which is good,” said Berdych. “It’s positive to me. “Of course, it’s not the ideal way that you want to finish the match. I can just wish him a very fast recovery, that he’s back as soon as he can. Hope the thing is going to go well with him.”

The 29-year-old Berdych will face Gael Monfils as he looks to reach the final at the Monte-Carlo Country Club for the first time. He was beaten by Rafael Nadal in the 2007 semi-finals and by Novak Djokovic in 2012.

“I had a week to train hard (after Miami). That’s what I did,” said Berdych. “That’s how I used that week. That means that the week was good. I prepared myself well. I’m doing so far good. But it’s still not over. I’m not still satisfied with the results. I hope I can go through.”

Berdych takes a 5-1 lead into the quarter-final clash with Monfils and has already beaten the Frenchman twice this year.

The Czech is through to his 18th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semi-final and improved to a 26-6 match record on the season. Working with new coach, Dani Vallverdu, this season, Berdych has finished runner-up in Doha (l. to Ferrer) and Rotterdam (l. to Wawrinka) and also reached the Australian Open semi-finals (l. to Murray).