Born: 27/11/78 Nationality: Czech Seeded: 35 World ranking: 38 Wimbledon best:
3rd round (2002) Recent record:
2002: 3rd round
2001: N/A
2000: N/A |
Until recently, Stepanek had been generally regarded as a doubles specialist but after plugging away on the Challenger circuit, the 24-year-old is proving himself on the singles stage. He began the year by reaching the third round of the Australian Open and followed that by making the last 16 at the Miami Masters, generally regarded as the fifth Grand Slam.
Last season, he qualified for nine ATP tournaments, more than any other player, and reached two semi-finals to finish inside the top 100 for the first time in his career.
Stepanek made his Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon last year, putting in a highly creditable performance by reaching the third round.
He proved he is in good form on the grass this year by reaching the quarter-finals in Halle, losing to eventual finalist Nicolas Kiefer.
And while Stepanek's best results have come on clay, his serve can be a danger on any surface.
MMIX
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