THE GIRLFRIEND ALSO RISES
Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic is the better known half of a low-profile relationship with girlfriend Lucie Safarova. Not anymore.
Safarova just created the most talked-about upset of this year’s Australian Open. She ousted defending champion Amelie Mauresmo of France in straight sets 6-4 6-3 to take her place in the quarterfinals. At about the same time of her victory, Berdych also finished his demolition job of Russian Dmitry Tursunov 6-2 6-1 6-1 to reach the fourth round.
The 19-year old Safarova subverted Mauresmo’s confidence with her passing shots, unforgiving forehand down the line winners, and big lefty serves. Mauresmo could only loudly admonish herself.
Safarova won only one match in her six Grand Slam tournaments and it was her first time at the Rod Laver Arena. She has three Sony Ericsson WTA Tour titles under her belt so far.
The 70th-ranked player appeared to have the nerves on the second set when she produced errors for Mauresmo to save two match points. Despite the intimidating environment and a taped right leg, credit goes to Safarova for generally keeping her composure throughout the match. She will next face fellow Czech Nicole Vaidisova in the quarterfinals.
Oh yes, before I forget, her 21-year old talented boyfriend with a charming shy smile, Tomas Berdych, who has yet to drop a set in Melbourne Park, will next face No. 3 seed Russian Nikolay Davydenko.
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