Berdych facing injury layoff

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

PRAGUE (AFP) — World number nine Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic could be sidelined from the game for up to a month following an ankle injury picked up in last weekend's Davis Cup tie against Russia.

"One ligament is slightly strained but the others are okay, so it does not have to be in plaster. I will start rehabilitation in a week," Berdych told the CTK agency on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old said he hoped to be fit for the French Open which starts on May 25. "I hope that is far enough away. If I could get in another tournament before that would be good," he added.

Berdych was forced to retire as he led in the fifth set in the reverse singles against Nikolay Davydenko on Sunday. The retirement gave Russia an unassailable 3-1 lead putting them into the...