There would, however, be an immediate shift in momentum as Berdych tensed up in game two of the secondset and allowed Federer to break to 15 with a fine crosscourt forehand pass.
The 150, 000 applicants each year must first pass exams in chemistry, physics and mathematics before they can sit for a secondset of grueling analytical tests.
Another hold to love put Federer within a game of the 23-minute opening set and he took it at the second time of asking by unleashing a rasping cross-court backhand to pass Soderling at the net.