Veteran Tomas Berdych reached the round of 16 for the 10th time at the Australian Open with a straight sets win over Juan Martin Del Potro on Saturday.
The 32-year Czech eliminated the 12th-seeded Argentine 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 in 2hr 16min on Hisense Arena.
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Berdych, who has played in the semi-finals twice in Melbourne, will face Italian journeyman Fabio Fognini in their first Grand Slam match in Monday’s fourth round.
Berdych served up 20 aces, broke serve seven times and hit 52 winners with 28 unforced errors.
{{/usCountry}}Berdych served up 20 aces, broke serve seven times and hit 52 winners with 28 unforced errors.
{{/usCountry}}“I think I was well prepared and I stuck with my plan and I’m glad as I can stand here as a winner today,” Berdych said on court.
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“Juan Martin is a great competitor and I’m glad he is back after all the injuries that he’s had. Tennis was missing him and it’s great that he’s back.”