Third-seeded Spaniard Fernando Verdasco meets eighth-seeded Czech Radek Stepanek in the men’s singles final this afternoon at Pat Rafter Arena.
Verdasco has been consistently impressive all week, while Stepanek, true to his own form, has used every trick in his extensive book to claw his way into the final.
Yesterday Stepanek came back from a set down against classy Frenchman and seventh seed, Richard Gasquet. It was a typical Stepanek performance and Verdasco can expect to be on the receiving end of something similar.
Verdasco’s semi was a much simpler affair – he gave Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu a tennis lesson. The Frenchman could only muster three games for the match as the Spaniard reeled off winners at will.
These two players have met twice, with Stepanek coming away the victor each time. However, they last played in 2006 and Verdasco is a much improved player.
Since helping his country to an exciting Davis Cup victory last year, Verdasco’s confidence has exploded. Combine this with a solid pre-season, including time training in Queensland, and Verdasco is looking like a player capable of breaking into the top 10.
Stepanek will need to throw everything he’s got at the world No.15 if he’s to end Verdasco’s run and disrupt his rhythm.
Following the men’s singles final, Verdasco will be back on court to partner Mischa Zverev in the men’s doubles final. The pair will take on French duo Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marc Gicquel.
Follow the men’s singles and doubles live scores right here on www.brisbaneinternational.com.au.