Berdych restores order
Berdych … overpowered his Indian opponent. Pic: Associated Press Berdych restores order 
By Tim Clarke
Former Australian Captain December 31, 2006
TOMAS Berdych of the Czech Republic has restored some order to a topsy-turvy Hopman Cup, making short work of Rohan Bopanna to take the only tie of day two to a deciding mixed doubles rubber.
Bopanna’s India teammate, Sania Mirza, had previously
continued the apparent giant-killing theme of the tournament she knocked off Lucie Safarova with a quicktime 6-2 6-2 victory.
But Berdych, the world No.13, was in no mood to continue the trend of seeds losing set by the US and Russia yesterday, ensuring a live mixed doubles rubber with a comfortable 6-2 6-2 win over Bopanna in 46 minutes.
“It was really good,” Berdych, who partners Safarova off the court as well, said.
“I was feeling really good on the court, and that was my reason to come and play the first match of the new season here.
“I am very glad it went like this.
“I like clay courts, because I was born on the clay courts, and I am used to hard courts - so Rebound Ace is a little bit different but not much.
“We will see because all the (2006) grand slams I made the fourth round, and in the Australian Open it wasn’t so good (a second-round exit).
“So I have to work on it to be better this year.”
Berdych was 4-0 up in the first set in the blink of an eye, as Bopanna, the world No.281, paid the penalty for a weak second service.
Bopanna displayed a potent first serve, but he recorded only 29 per cent success with his second effort.
Berdych, in contrast, enjoyed 75 per cent success on his second serve, as well having a three to one advantage on clear winners, registering 18 to Bopanna’s six.
Reuters