Berdych secures place in Tour Finals post reaching Paris Masters semis

Czech tennis ace Tomas Berdych beat South African's Kevin Anderson in the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters to secure his place at the season-ending World Tour Finals for the fifth straight year on Friday.

The Czech number one, who won the Bercy tournament on his debut in 2005, his only Masters win to date, came through a tight contest 6-7, (4/7), 6-4, 6-4 in just under three hours.

Berdych would now play Canadian Milos Raonic, who beat world number two Roger Federer 7-6 (7-5), 7-5, for a place in Sunday's final, Sport24 reported.

It was the 12th victory for Berdych over Anderson in 12 meetings. He said that they have had some very close matches and some five-setters but he thinks that the statistics do not tell the real story.

Berdych said that it's always tough against Anderson and on Friday they played nearly three hours but he thinks that it was a great match. He said that he is so happy and feels lucky to have made it through.

The Czech, who had a 15 and 4 record in Slams this season, said that now it's another semifinal and it's been a great tournament for him so far.

Berdych, who also reached the semi-finals of the Miami Masters where he withdrew with a stomach bug before facing Rafael Nadal, is chasing an 11th ATP title and third this year after victories at Rotterdam and Stockholm, the report added.