World No. 1 Roger Federer has been looking in his typical crushing form at the Flushing Meadows this time and it would take some mighty effort from his opponents to stop his surge. Federer next faces tough contender Tomas Berdych, who is currently ranked as World No. 7 in the ATP Rankings.

Winner of the seventeen Grand Slams and 21 ATP World Tour Masters titles, Roger Federer is more than just an inspiration for his fans and opponents alike – all across the globe. It would be pretty apt to say that this humble Swiss is an institution of discipline, grit and insatiable desire to improve. Over the years, Federer looked way ahead of his opponents many times – not because he has one of the most devastating one-handed backhands in the world, but only because he has been one of the most dedicated and keen learners of this game. One of the most breathtaking “Tweener” shot has been invented and further polished by Federer in such a manner that it looks so easy – when he plays it to outsmart his opponents. The Swiss genius has had his moments of struggle and sheer agony when he failed to live up to the ever-soaring expectations of his fans in the last couple of years, but now he is back on the top again and we know this Maestro has a long way to go yet. With 60-7 win-loss record and six titles in 2011, Federer is the most favorite contender at Flushing Meadows this time. Federer did not have to play in the pre-quarter-finals encounter on Monday, as his opponent Mardy Fish withdrew before the match – with an injury.

Federer’s opponent is twenty six year old Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic. The Czech turned professional in 2002 and has won seven titles so far. Berdych instantly became a huge name in tennis by reaching the Wimbledon final in 2010, where he lost to Rafael Nadal. The Czech upset Roger Federer in Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2010. He has an impressive 45-16 win-loss record for the season and has also claimed a title in 2012. He lost in the opening encounter at Wimbledon this season.

In head-to-head, Federer leads with 11-4 against the Czech. Last time they met in Madrid Masters this season, where Federer prevailed in three sets.