Analysis for Tsonga-Stepanek (Davis Cup)

Head-to-head record 1:0

Radek Stepanek will play J.W. Tsonga in the second Davis Cup rubber. Stepanek loves Davis Cup and has been known for enormous fighting spirit and excellent performance in team competitions. He enjoys the support of home fans like no other player and is known for his after the shot grunting and over the top celebrations. He is the player who can make the show and take the energy out of the crowd. Radek started his 2009 season at the Brisbane International with a new Bosworth racquet, where he claimed his third ATP title after coming back from a set down to defeat Fernando Verdasco in the final. Then, at the Australian Open, he made it to the third round and was absolutely smacked by Verdasco. In the San Jose, he won his fourth ATP singles title beating American Mardy Fish in a three set final. He also snapped a four-match losing streak in the tournament against Andy Roddick, upsetting him in the semifinal. He then played another final in Memphis and with the record of 16 wins-3 losses he is one of the most successful players in 2009. He is 0:1 against Tsonga but it was a very tight match and furthermore, they played in France. Tsonga is known for his powerful, precise serves, as well as heavy forehands. Additionally, his backhand down the line has become one of the best in men's tennis. He has an offensive baseline style of play, and is also known for his superb feel at the net. He is currently one of the very few remaining players who often utilize a serve-and-volley type of play. He is a player of big potential and definitely has a great future ahead of him. On the other hand, Stepanek is full of self-confidence after his US tour and we believe he is able to prevail in a tight match in front of his home crowd. We expect some tiebreakers to be played and think that Stepanek is worth trying with the odds above 2.