Berdych makes waves in Paris

Czech tennis player Tomáš Berdych is challenging his career's best Grand Slam result at the French Open in Paris. Berdych beat Britain's Andy Murray in straight sets in May 30's fourth round.

After last year's Wimbledon, it is only the second time Berdych has made the final eight of a Grand Slam event.

"He didn't put too much pressure on me in the rallies; I was really comfortable," Berdych said after upsetting the world's No. 4 player. "I had plenty of space to do everything I wanted. That's why I won in straight sets."

Coming off a straight-set rout of John Isner in the previous match, where he played near-flawless tennis, Berdych maintained his momentum right from the start against Murray. "Berdych has an uncomplicated game based around a strong serve, heavy, flat groundstrokes and attacking anything short, and this straightforward approach was too much for Murray," the BBC wrote after Berdych's match against Murray, which featured a 36-minute rain delay midway through the match.

"I got myself back into it and struggled when we came back out from the rain delay. But he played a good match. He hit a big ball," Murray told reporters after the match.

Berdych said he wanted to capitalize on Murray's frustration at the end of the match.

"My coach told me when the match was suspended that Andy looked like he didn't want to play. Maybe that's his style, that he wants to make the opponent sleep. ... Whatever it is, it didn't work for him this time," Berdych said.

As of press time, Berdych was set to clash with Russia's Mikhail Youzhny for a spot in the semifinals.

Soccer official missing

In contrast to tennis, Czech soccer has lacked success, and now its vice chairman has gone missing.

Czech Soccer Association's Vice Chairman Miroslav Kříž has been missing since May 22. Kříž, who also owns the Gambrinus liga soccer club FC Viktoria Plzeň, disappeared after meeting with Baník Ostrava owner Tomáš Petera in a Prague restaurant. A police investigation found that Kříž, who runs a real estate business, has debts totaling 200 million to 300 million Kč. He also owes about 40 million Kč to Sparta Praha for multiple player transfers.

Meanwhile, national soccer team coach Michal Bílek can finally celebrate victory in his fifth game at the helm. Following a 2-1 loss to Turkey in a May 22 game in New York City, the Czechs beat the United States 4-2 in a May 23 friendly in Hartford, Connecticut. Still, the team's players and coaches arrived home from the United States disillusioned.

"Our game does not have any system. One player kicks a long ball forward, while another would be happier receiving a short pass. One player begins some combination, while another kicks the ball away. ... We are not competitive these days," said midfielder Tomáš Hübschmann. "We are unable to keep pace with elite teams like Turkey."

The Czech Soccer Association chairman and former national team head coach, Ivan Hašek, also criticized the team's play.

"Our players do not make an effort to succeed. They lack both confidence and courage," Hašek said.

Following a series of dismal results, the Czech soccer team ranked 33rd in country rankings by the game's world governing body, FIFA. Three years ago, the Czechs were ranked among the top 10 teams.

František Bouc can be reached at
fbouc@praguepost.com