Berdych says Djokovic, Nadal have resumed 'stranglehold' in world tennis

Fifth-ranked Tomas Berdych, who is hoping to make it to the top four in men's tennis for years, has said that Novas Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have resumed their iron grip at the top of the leaderboard despite Stanislas Wawrinka's shock Australian Open title win.

Berdych, who is seeking his 10th career ATP title as the top seed at this week's ATP and WTA Washington Open, said that world number one Djokovic, thanks to his Wimbledon title, and second-ranked Nadal combined with 17-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer to make the going tough for challengers.

Berdych said that there are three guys staying up at the top and added that there was one change with Wawrinka getting up there by winning the Slam at the beginning of the year. The Czech said that one really needs to win a Slam to get there, Sport24 reported.

Berdych said that Wawrinka was followed by Nadal and Djokovic, adding that nothing really changed after that. He also said that he wouldn't say that it is really open there as it was just the moment Wawrinka jumped up and took it.

Nadal, Djokovic and third-ranked Federer have combined to win 34 of the past 38 Grand Slam men's singles crowns, 38 of the past 45 going back to Federer's first Slam title in 2003 at Wimbledon. Nadal has claimed 14 Slam titles so far, twice of Djokovic's total.

Berdych said that it is really tough to cracking the top four, and added that it is hard to explain with better words. He said that he is trying to do my best, working hard for that every day.

Berdych said that if there is a recipe to do it, he would like to know it and added that they are all trying.