Very even matchup, in which the winner is hard to predict, but I feel the American should secure the win here. Stepanek is in slightly better form and he confirmed it with straight sets wins over Grosjean and Malisse, while Blake had some difficulties against the veteran Santoro in the last round, but I have a feeling he was doing just enough to secure the victory. The Czech is quite known for his serve and volley game style, which suits this surface quite well. On the other hand Blake has very good groundstrokes and he will definitely enjoy the target on the Czechs approaches on the net. I don't see any major difference in serves of these two players, so I don't see none of these two players in advantage in this department. I see Blake more quality player, but I'm a little worried about his approach to the game, because his opponent today is a true fighter, and if Blake starts the match on a wrong foot, this could be his end. Blake holds the h2h advantage (3-2), he won 3 out of 4 matches on hard. IMO it will be a close match, in which details will decide, but I consider Blake in front of the home crowd and at this price a decent bet.

Pick : Blake to win
Odds : 1.87
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : 10bet
Date : 2008-04-01
Match Result : Blake 2-0
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