Radek Stepanek

Hugely popular among fans for his colourful playing style, involving wild fist-pumping and jumps of all sorts, Radek Stepanek became a national hero for his displays. Stepanek is a professional tennis player from the Czech Republic career-high singles ranking is World No. 8. After turning professional in 1997. Stepanek has won five ATP singles titles, 18 doubles titles, and two Grand Slam doubles titles, with India’s Leander Paes at the 2012 Australian Open and the 2013 US Open. Together with Tomas Berdych, Stepanek led the Czech Republic to Davis Cup titles in 2012 and 2013, becoming the first player ever to win two decisive fifth rubbers in two consecutive Davis Cup finals.

Born on November 27, 1978 in the eastern Czech city of Karvina, Stepanek reached a career-high eighth spot in the singles rankings in 2006. Six years later, he was fourth in the double’s rankings. Stepanek’s career was marred by injuries – in the spring he underwent a lumbar spine surgery following his last appearance on the court at the Australian Open.

Stepanek started on tour as a doubles specialist, winning 12 ATP titles. Earlier in 2006, he won his first ATP singles title, beating Christophe Rochus in Rotterdam and in 2007, he won his second ATP singles title, beating James Blake in Los Angeles. He claimed his third title at the Brisbane International in 2009. The same year, he won his fourth ATP singles title beating American Mardy Fish at the SAP Open in San Jose. He also captured the doubles title after teaming up with German Tommy Haas at the same tournament. In January 2012, Stepanek won the Australian Open Men's doubles title, partnering with Leander Paes. In January 2012, Stepanek won the Australian Open Men's doubles title, partnering Leander Paes. They beat top seeds Bob and Mike Bryan in the final. Stepanek underwent neck surgery on 21 January to relieve pressure where a disc was pressing on a nerve rendering his right-hand thumb. He recovered well and won US Open in doubles with Leander Paes.

Stepanek is noted for being one of the few serve and volley players on the tour. He is known for his resilience at the net as well as his entertaining and at times comedic plays during matches. Stepanek has a strong and accurate first serve, often reaching up to 210 km/h with it. Like most serve and volley players, Stepanek's second serve is slower, but has a great amount of top-spin, giving him time to come up to the net. On his serve, Stepanek often immediately comes up to the net and volleys, finishing off points quickly. His net play is considered one of the best on the tour.

In 2017, world number one Novak Djokovic recruited Radek Stepanek in his coaching team to complement Andre Agassi. Agassi and former doubles specialist Stepanek replaced the Serb's former coaching duo of Boris Becker and Marian Vajda. He parted way with the World number 1 in 2019, and moved on to coaching Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov.

Grand Slam Singles record:

Australian Open: 3R (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013)

French open: 4R (2008)

Wimbledon: QF (2006)

US Open: 4R (2009)

Grand Slam Doubles record:

Australian Open: W (2012)

French open: SF (2007)

Wimbledon: SF (2013, 2014)

US Open: W (2013)