Analysis for Ferrer-Stepanek (Cincinnati)

Head-to-head record 1:1

Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic seems to be definitely back in business after his recovery form the long lasting back and arm injuries. He is currently playing in a very good shape and made several great results lately incl. semifinals of Montreal Masters last week where he lost to Federer in a surprisingly tight match. He also won Los Angeles tournament in July and showed the world he is still a top-ten contender and shouldn´t be underestimated anymore. His play is based on a very strong and well-placed serve and it is always very difficult to break him on fast surfaces. Well, David Ferrer of Spain is more talented player with better technique and movement but he lacks hard courts match practice at present and he still considers clay to be his favourite surface. It should be a thrilling match in which we don´t see a big favourite. Odds should be somewhere around 1.9-1.9 and the better current form speaks on Stepanek´s side in this match. Ferrer defeated Stepanek at Aussie Open this year in very interesting match. Czech player was 2 sets up and then he got totally out of rythm and defeated himself. However, he should be more prepared for this match and his self confidence must be much higher than in January. That is why we hope Stepanek will fight bravely for his spot in the third round and we believe he can make it.