Radek Stepanek captures Davis Cup crown for Czech Republic – Tennis News
Radek Stepanek outclassed world number 11, Nicolas Almagro, in the final rubber at the Davis Cup World Group 2012 on Sunday. As a result, he grabbed the Davis Cup title for Czech Republic for the first time since 1980 and stole the show.
The 33-year-old required four sets to outmuscle Almagro in their fourth duel against each other. As a result, he avenged his loss at the US Open earlier this season and extended his lead in the FedEx ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Head 2 Head
Series by 3-1 against the Spanish number three.
After David Ferrer crushed Tomas Berdych in straight sets, the scores were tied at 2-2. With this victory, Stepanek not only dethroned the defending champions but also made his nation champions for the first time after independence. Ivan Lendl led Czechoslovakia
to capture the title in 1980.
Stepanek, who burst into tears after conquering the match and tournament, stated in a post match press conference:
"I was dreaming about it my whole life and now we're standing here as Davis Cup champions, it's amazing. I had a lot of chances in the second set. I was playing very aggressive today; I wanted to be the one who was more active. Even though I lost the third
set, I had no doubt about my tactics. I came on the court with a mindset that I had to stay calm, hungry and concentrated. That's what I did tremendously well today."
The Czech veteran assertively entered the O2 arena in Prague with poise. He swiftly slid his entire serves after bringing his experience into handy. Stepanek got the breakthrough in the last game and pulled out the opener with a 6-4 score line.
Currently ranked 31st in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Stepanek kept momentum sailing in the following set. He suffered the first blow in the fifth game and fell at 2-4. However, the Czech remained focused and not only recovered
in the eighth game but went berserk in the tie-breaker, eventually sealing the set with a 7-6(0) success.
The 27-year-old re-focused in the third set. He got the desiderated break in the sixth game and leaped to a 5-2 lead. Almagro then plucked his serve once more and raised hopes of his nation once again after registering a 6-3 success.
Berdych sought his early momentum in the proceeding set. He broke his rival’s opening serve and cruised to a 3-0 lead. The Czech held his composure and bagged his remaining serves, ultimately clicking the set with a 6-3 win.
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