Lob and Smash
Fansided

Indian Wells: Top 8 Men’s Contenders

By Nate Slaymaker

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 9
Next

Mar 14, 2013; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Tomas Berdych (CZE) during his quarter final match against Kevin Anderson (RSA) at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Berdych won 6-4, 6-4.Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tomas Berdych

At 29 years old, Berdych has turned a corner in his career.

2015 Record: 16-4

Career at Indian Wells: 15-10

Best Finish at Indian Wells: SF (2013)

At 29 years old, Berdych has turned a corner in his career. He was stuck in the 10-20 range in the rankings for so many years. He has a newfound commitment to tennis. Like Murray, Berdych used to suffer from poor strategy and mental breakdowns. He has said this year that he will be more focused on during his matches at the task in front of him.

More from Andy Murray

The new focus has served Berdych well. His only losses this year are to Ferrer, Murray, Wawrinka, and Djokovic. While Berdych would like to have wins over those elite types of players, losses like that are nothing to be ashamed of.

In the past, Berdych was disliked by many fans on tour. His anger on court and little conflicts with beloved players did not endear him to anyone. Lately, however, he has used social media to show fans more of who he is. He has gained quite a following with his humor and laid back lifestyle. He will have plenty rooting for him in the desert.

The easy power of Berdych should play well on the courts of Indian Wells. He has never gotten past the semifinal, but the Berdych we have seen this year is a new beast and has a chance to go all the way.

Next: Indian Wells: Top Contender #4

More from Lob and Smash

Home/Andy Murray