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For one set, Radek Stepanek played a style of all-out attacking tennis at a level of perfection seldom seen nowadays. The Czech-born star showed superior weight of power to his opponent, both in serving and stroking, along with a rare instinct for the net, whether directly behind serve or after strong groundstroke preparation. His agility at net was excellent, he reacted well to his opponent's thrusts, and he volleyed with plenty of authority. In short, Radek looked very much the player who had defeated James Blake in the final at Los Angeles two weeks earlier.

Stepanek's opponent, Paul Goldstein, could do little. His own strokes carried more topspin than Radek's but at some loss of velocity. But when in the second set Radek began producing more errors and using too many drop shots and drop volleys, Paul's footwork and speed allowed him to win that set, equalizing matters. Matters reached four-games-all in the third set. The deciding service break came in game ten, when Stepanek showed a long-absent patience in long rallies balanced by the right amount of courage in acting decisively at the right moment.

Radek's next opponent will be Andy Roddick. Radek's wonderful attacking performance at the outset and his tight play toward the end stirred the thought that he could be problematic for the tournament favorite.

Radek Stepanek (CZE) d Paul Goldstein (USA) (black shorts) 63 46 64

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