Berdych Acting Like Child After Hit by Almagro Shot

Comment

Comment by Tim Prapong on January 25, 2012 at 1:00am

Well, that's the part I think Berdych exagerrated. It wasn't even close to getting hit in the head. Berdych is a very stiff volleyer, and doesn't really dance up there. He looked like a klutz pulling his head around and practically flailed like a fish onto his ass. At least, Mac takes it on the chest, then acts like he got hit by Lendl cannon fire, like a hurt school boy.

Comment by Mark / The Mayor on January 24, 2012 at 8:06pm

Tim, you make a good point.  But, I think he steps over the line when he whines like a baby to the interviewer saying that he was hit in the head and that somehow that was not OK. 

Comment by Tim Prapong on January 24, 2012 at 1:21pm

Well, I don't think it's a big deal Berdych doesn't want to shake hands with Almagro. That's his business and it's between Almagro and Berdych.

Do you see boxers have to shake hands after they fight? If it's okay to hit each other, then it's okay not to shake hands. Gloves are off, then definitely the gentleman thing is off. I'm fine with that perspective.

What a bunch of Puritans in the crowd, insisting on "sportsmanship". As if Almagro is the most well behaved person of the tour. They sound like a mob hungry to malign someone. Give me a break, so out of proportion. Djokovic saying Roddick has no right to say he's a hypochondriac. Same mob like reaction. What is this, American Idol? lol

Comment by Joe B. (BP, CA) on January 24, 2012 at 10:21am

I agree, Mark.  I've been hit a few times, and actually tagged a few people as well.  This weekend, my opponent actually moved into my overhead smash, ha ha ha!  I was very apologetic, and he said it was fine.  But a bad attitude turns me off to professional athletes that have it.  Berdych is a great player, but I doubt he'll ever be one of my faves.  Neither is Serena, because she can get ugly when she's losing.

Comment by Mark / The Mayor on January 24, 2012 at 10:06am

Even if it was intentional, that's OK.  That is the smartest play against someone long like Tomas.  And it was not point blank range and an easy put away as Berdych describes it.  Even at my level, guys don't get mad if you hit them.  Berdych has a history of acting childish.

Comment by Joe B. (BP, CA) on January 24, 2012 at 9:48am

That's just poor sportsmanship.  I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to emotions from a very close match.  Hopefully Berdych watches the replay and realizes that it really wasn't intentional.