STEPANEK OUSTS BLAKE FOR ATP LA TITLE

Czech Radek Stepanek won his second career title Sunday, upsetting James Blake 7-6(7), 5-7 6-2 to capture the Los Angeles Countrywide Classic title.

Stepanek entered LA with a 13-15 record this year.

"It's an incredible feeling to win my second title at the age of 28," Stepanek said. "My second title was last year when I felt I was playing my best tennis. The start of the year was difficult for me and I was struggling. I worked very, very hard and it's paid off. It gives me a lot of confidence for the next tournament in the US Open Series."


In the third set Stepanek received treatment for a left hamstring strain, then broke Blake for a 3-1 lead, and broke in the final game of the match.

Blake dropped to 9-9 in career finals.

"I barely had a look on his first serve in the third set," Blake said. "He served really well. I'm feeling good about the tennis I'm playing."

In the all-American doubles final, the top-seeded Bryan brothers beat Scott Lipsky and David Martin 7-6(5), 6-2.