13.05.2014 14:43:01 | The twenty-year history of Prostejov UniCredit Czech Open tournament offers names of two triple champions: Jan Hajek won in 2006, 2009 and 2010, and Radek Stepanek who won in 2003, 2004 and in the last year after a decade. "Honza Hajek always excels when playing in Prostejov. It's often said that had he performed in the other tournaments like he does here, he'd certainly be in the top fifty, although it's a bit of an exaggeration" says Petra Cernoskova, the tournament director. "We must not forget that Hajek played against Mayer in the 2012 finals."
And Radek Stepanek? How was his path to a third title? In 2009 he was top-seeded, but he didn't stay in Prostejov for a long time; in the first round against Cuevas from Uruguay he surrendered a 6-2, 1-1 (15-0) match because of the injured ankle... In pain, he limped to the bench and after a simple treatment it was clear he wouldn't continue. In 2010, Stepanek fought his way into the finals, but had to surrender after the first set as well because of health problems. But participation in the finals itself was a great success. Stepanek had to wait for his third win until last year, when he beat Jiri Vesely at home in a finale of dreams. What did Petra Cernoskova, the tournament director, say the last year? "I was happy we got Radek Stepanek to play in our tournament; people like him, he plays tennis for the audience and that's good. Thanks to him we were at full capacity. I admired Jirka Vesely going to the finals, bit by bit, not intimidated by anyone, step away from the world's 100. The Challenger was well occupied, the players delivered good performances. Despite our top-seeded players dropped out soon, Stepanek and Vesely replaced them perfectely. I'd also like to appreciate the audience; despite the bad weather, the autditorium was full and it's clear that our idea of organizing this tournament for the Czech players is good, especially because people came to see and cheer on them." It was the fourth Czech finale in the history of UniCredit Czech Open. How far will Stepanek and Hajek get this year?
