The ATP World Tour Finals—the season-ending championship of men's tennis—begins on Sunday, November 9 in London. Over the next four days, we'll take a closer look at the seasons put forth so far by the eight singles competitors.

"No matter how many times you qualify, it’ll never be routine." So said Berdych, after securing a spot in the season-ending championships for the fifth consecutive year. But his play at the year-end event—he's escaped the round-robin stage just once—has largely mirrored his performances at the majors: Good, but not quite good enough. That might also be a way to describe his 2014 season, in which he won two titles, posted three runner-up finishes, and reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, Miami Masters, and the just-completed Paris Masters. Some would say that’s outstanding; others would say it’s somewhat disappointing for the ultra-talented Czech. What did Berdych think about his latest return to elite eight? "It's always just proof of having a great season."

Donning a blue-and-white striped shirt usually seen in soccer games, Berdych made a statement in Melbourne, blasting his way to the semis before bowing out to eventual champ Stan Wawrinka in a fourth-set tiebreaker.

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Berdych didn’t drop a set en route to the Beijing final—then lost 6-0, 6-2 to Novak Djokovic. "I met somebody in the final who I've never seen before," said Berdych, who was a point away from being double-bageled. "I was just swept out from the court."

A title in London might mean more to Berdych than anyone else in the field. It would be by far the biggest win of his career, and would be an appropriate way to celebrate his years of consistent play within the game's upper-most echelon.

ATP World Tour Finals Previews

November 5: Marin Cilic

November 5: Roger Federer  
November 6: Novak Djokovic  
November 6: Milos Raonic  
November 7: Andy Murray  
November 7: Stan Wawrinka  
November 8: Tomas Berdych  
November 8: Kei Nishikori