• Legg Mason Classic

Stepanek stuns Monfils in Washington

ESPN staff
August 7, 2011
Radek Stepanek celebrates his win © PA Photos
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Top seed seed Gael Monfils fell short in his bid to win a first title of 2011 as Radek Stepanek caused a shock by beating the Frenchman 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic to win his fifth Tour singles title.

Stepanek, appearing in his first final since finishing as runner-up to Andy Roddick in Brisbane last year, broke in the third game of the match before routinely seeing out the first set, sealing it with an ace.

Although the second set was just as tight, it was the Czech who produced the goods when it mattered most, breaking the world No. 7 at the start of the second set. Stepanek was rarely troubled on his own service, winning 91 per cent of points on his first serve and claimed victory in an hour and 33 minutes.

Stepanek's triumph saw him stop a two-match losing streak against Monfils, although his record against the Frenchman remains inferior - reading 3-5. Stepanek, 32, picked up a trophy for the first time since 2009, when he won the ATP Tour 250 event in San Jose.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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