NEW YORK – Roger Federer saw his dream of becoming the first man in 87 years to win six US Opens destroyed by big-swinging Czech Tomas Berdych Wednesday in the Swiss legend’s earliest New York defeat in nine years.
The 17-time Grand Slam title winner, bidding to reach his 33rd Grand Slam semi-final, and ninth in a row at the US Open, was beaten 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 by sixth-seeded Berdych.
“I have got to go back to the drawing board from here. The goal (of winning Wimbledon and getting back to number one) has been achieved, but this is very disappointing,” said a despondent Federer.
Berdych was stunned by his triumph.
