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Berdych hammers Nadal, advances into Australian Open semifinals

Issei Kato / REUTERS

Tomas Berdych lost 17 straight matches against Rafael Nadal. He wouldn't let that streak stretch to 18.

Berdych romped past Nadal 6-2, 6-0, 7-6(5) to move into the Australian Open semifinals Tuesday.

The No. 7 Czech caught fire early. After splitting the first two games of the first set, he went on an 11-game run that effectively ended the match despite a stiff challenge by the third-seeded Nadal in the third set.

Nadal, it turned out, was playing one of the worst matches of his Grand Slam career. His second-set bagel was only his third at a Slam and first since 2006, according to ESPN.

The numbers say it all about Berdych's form. 

He had 10 aces to Nadal's three, drove in 47-of-57 first serve points and had 46 winners to his opponent's 24. Berdych also finished with no double faults in contrast to Nadal's six.

Berdych will face No. 6 Andy Murray in the semifinal.

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