Article

  • Russian wall stands between Stepanek and final

    10/4/08 2:06 PM | David Cox
    - Can Dmitry Tursunov bludgeon his way into a third final of 2008, or will Radek Stepanek cheat defeat again from a one-set deficit?

    Given his game, it's somewhat surprising that Tursunov's indoor record in the European tournaments isn't great. Last year he had a big run in Bangkok to take the title and with a lot of points now dropping off from that, this run is perfect timing.

    Tursunov started off slow in round one but found his range against Jose Acasuso, dropped just four games in round two, and then demolished Carlos Moya in the quarters. The Moya forehand wasn't quite on song but Tursunov was pretty much too good.

    However, he lost to Stepanek around this time last year on the indoor carpet of Moscow 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

    It's going be that welcome clash of styles with the quirky Stepanek providing a touch of variety in a baseline-orientated world, one of the few successful serve-volley exponents still around. He's one of the best players in the game at subtly unsettling an opponent's rhythm.

    He's provided plenty of crowd value so far this week with the drama of a thrilling win over Michael Llodra and then another escapade yesterday.

    Prediction: Tursunov in 3


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