04.06.2014 18:10:09 | Stepanek, the tournament number one and the three-time winner of Czech Open, started the match against Kovalik of Slovakia powerfully and advanced to the quarterfinals with ease. He only let the opponent win one game in the first set which took less than thirty minutes. He lost the rhythm for a while in the second set. “I had a weak moment again. I lost my serve twice in a row. The opponent played four unbelievable winners at that time so I could not blame myself. Kovalik won his service only once during the entire match. I kept him under pressure," said Stepanek.
“It was important to win the serve against Kovalik. It kept him under pressure,“ Stepanek said. He must have been an easier opponent for Stepanek than Facundo Arguello of Argentina in the opening round. “He sure was, but the victory is very important for me. I feel better in general, the tiredness is gone. I hope it will be better and batter.“
Stepanek is clashing Axel Michon (206th in ATP ranking) for a spot in the semis at the central court tomorrow.
