Roger lost to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon today, the six-time champion’s earliest loss at the All England Club since 2002. He was beaten 4-6, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6 by Berdych, the 12th seed from the Czech Republic.
" It was brutal for me. Every time he had a chance, he took it. If there's anything good about this it's I'm gonna get some rest, " summed up Roger, who added he had been troubled by a stiff back and right leg injury.
Roger came in with an 8-2 career record against Berdych, having lost the first match at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the last in Miami this year. He also played his 25th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Roger, who has appeared in every Wimbledon final since 2003, lost the first set, 4-6, but rallied back in the second set, which he won 6-3. Berdych looked uncomfortable and Roger hit his groundstrokes shorter. But unfortunately Berdych regained control. The Czech seized the third set 6-1, and got an early break in the fourth set and never yielded control, serving for the set at 5-4.
" I'm looking forward to some rest, " Roger said after the match. You certainly deserve it!