Berdych claims first title of 2016

Tomas Berdych retained the Shenzhen Open title after defeating Richard Gasquet 7-6(5) 6-7(2) 6-3 in the final on Sunday.

It was Berdych’s first ATP World Tour title since winning the Stockholm Open almost a year ago.

Berdych missed the recent US Open when he suffered appendicitis, making his quick rebound to top form an impressive feat.

“Five weeks ago I was in hospital, now I’m sitting here with the trophy. Things are changing very quickly,” the Czech said.

“Luckily for me, everything is going well, I’m feeling good, sitting here as a winner. I’m just taking all this as a bonus, that I can play and win some matches.

“I think it was a very solid game. I said after the semifinal that I wanted to raise my game and play better and I think I achieved that against a tougher opponent. I’m very pleased with the way I played.”

Berdych lost his serve in the opening game of the first set but fought back to level with Gasquet before winning the tie-break on his first set point.

Gasquet denied Berdych two match points in the second set and then drew level by winning the tiebreak.

Berdych recovered well and after breaking through in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead in the decisive set the Czech did not falter.