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  • San Jose Finals Preview: Andy Roddick vs. Radek Stepanek

    2/24/08 4:37 PM | Jonathan Morgan
    - The two best players at this event this week will face off in the final. Roddick is looking for his 3rd San Jose title, while it is the first San Jose event for the Czech ladies man Stepanek.

    Roddick has a history with this San Jose tournament. In 2004 and 2005, he won this event. In 2002, 2006, and 2007, he reached the semis, falling to Andy Murray in the two most recent years. Stepanek has no history here, as he is usually playing the Euro-indoor events at this time each year.

    But luckily for Roddick, Murray isn't here this year, and he will instead face Czech Radek Stepanek for the title. Not that it will be any less challenging. Radek is simply a beast on a court with a roof, and won't be intimiated by Roddick's staredowns or verbal gestures. In fact, he has the cojones to go toe-to-toe with Roddick should the situation call for it.

    As for the actual match at hand, Roddick would certainly have an advantage. They've played 3 times before, in 2005 in Queens on grass, 2007 in Queens, and 2007 in Washington DC. Roddick has won all 3, but they haven't been beatdowns. Stepanek has a great shot to win this match despite the 0-3 head-to-head.

    Stepanek will need to serve big and mix it up. Roddick won't give him anything. Stepanek's serve, volleys, slices, and general mixing of shots will be needed to get Roddick off balance before Radek can take control of the point. On the American's serve, Stepanek will need to simply get it back into play to give himself a shot at the point.

    Roddick on the other hand will need to remain consistent from the baseline and not become discouraged after Radek hits a fine volley or a backhand winner. Roddick will need to attack Stepanek's forehand, his weaker wing, if he wants to be able to take the advantage in the rallies.

    I predict a tough, tight match with at least one tiebreak. This is a rather even match and I can see it going either way. Roddick for sure will be the favorite, but betting on Stepanek would be excellent value.

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