Novak Djokovic has officially confirmed that he has ended his coaching partnerships with both Radek Stepanek and Andre Agassi. A statement posted on Djokovic’s official website announced, “After Miami, Novak Djokovic and his tennis coach Radek Stepanek decided to end their co-operation. “The private relationship with Stepanek was and will remain great, and Novak has enjoyed working with him and learning from him. He remains grateful and appreciative of all the support he has received from Radek during the last period. “Novak remains focused and eager to come back stronger and more resilient from [a] long injury break that has affected his confidence and game. He is continuously and passionately looking for new and different ways to regain [his] winning...
A couple weeks after announcing his retirement from professional tennis, Radek Stepanek already has a new gig: coach to Novak Djokovic. The pair broke the news Thursday on Instagram Live. “I’m ready to go,” said Stepanek to Djokovic on the split screen as they spoke to each other from their phones. “Where are you?” Djokovic asked, before opening a door to reveal the recently retired Czech on the other side. “All right guys, this is the new team, baby!” said Djokovic. Stepanek joins Andre Agassi on the Serbian’s coaching team, and will be working with Djokovic in Monte Carlo as he prepares for the 2018 season. Djokovic is scheduled to return to the court at the season-opening Qatar ExxonMobil Open...
After more than 20 years competing on the ATP World Tour, Radek Stepanek has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The Czech star hangs up his racquet after winning five tour-level singles titles and 18 doubles trophies. Stepanek got off to a good start in 2017, advancing to the quarter-finals in Doha before reaching the second round of the Australian Open as a qualifier. But back surgery on 22 March to deal with a chronic condition stopped his season. And after months of recovery, rehab and an attempt to get back into proper playing shape, the Czech told his family and team that he was done. “Every day has been a question mark. I had small pain every day and...
Radek Stepanek, who is bidding to compete in the Australian Open main draw for the 14th time, earned a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7(4), 8-6 victory over Slovenian Blaz Kavcic in two hours and 41 minutes on Thursday in the second round of qualifying. The 38-year-old Stepanek will next look to beat John-Patrick Smith for his place in the 128-player main draw. Smith overcame Kenny De Schepper 6-4, 6-3. Second seed and #NextGenATP star Frances Tiafoe cruised past Yannik Reuter and will next take on American compatriot and No. 25 seed Tim Smyczek, who defeated Mohamed Safwat 6-4, 6-3. Tiafoe fell in the second round of qualifying in 2016, and is hoping to make his main draw debut. Sixth seed Bjorn Fratangelo...
Qualifying veterans and #NextGenATP stars both started making their way to the main draw of the Australian Open on Wednesday as qualifying matches got underway in Melbourne. Top seed Radek Stepanek took his opening qualifying match 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-2 against American Sekou Bangoura. Stepanek, 38, is trying to reach his 15th Australian Open singles main draw. The right-handed Czech will face Slovenian Blaz Kavcic next. Second seed Frances Tiafoe, a member of the ATP World Tour's Next Generation, also advanced in three sets. The 18-year-old American won 75 per cent of his first-serve points to beat Italian Marco Cecchinato 6-3, 5-7, 7-5 in two hours and 14 minutes. Tiafoe is attempting to reach his first Australian Open main draw. [ALSO...