PARIS, 8 November 2004 — Marat Safin won the Paris Masters for a record-equaling third time when he beat Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 yesterday.
The Russian sixth seed, playing his fourth final in Paris since 1999, emulated Germany’s Boris Becker, the only other player to win a hat trick of titles on the Parisian indoor courts.
Winner of last month’s Madrid Masters, the former US Open champion proved he is in superb form for next week’s Masters Cup in Houston.
“It’s easier to play here than at home because at home you have more pressure,” Safin said.
“I did not expect him to play that well because it was his first time in a final. He had a couple of chances to get back in the match but luck was on my side,” added the Russian.
The final, which lasted two hours and 19 minutes, epitomized Safin’s impeccable all-round displays in the Bercy Sports Hall during the week.
The Russian’s serve was his main weapon but the 24-year-old also returned to perfection and used his blistering backhand, arguably the best in the game, to keep him out of trouble.
The 25-year-old Stepanek, playing his first ATP final, provided brave opposition but was overpowered and outwitted when it mattered most, especially in the second set tiebreak when he was unable to convert a set point.
It was Safin’s 14th career title, and his third in 2004.
Safin, far more experienced than his opponent, was quicker off the mark, breaking straight away to take a 3-0 lead before going on to win the first set 6-3.
He broke Stepanek’s serve again in the second set to lead 2-1 before the Czech put a bandana around his hair at the break, which seemed to spur him into action.
Mauresmo Rallies to Take Advanta Title
In New York, top seed Amelie Mauresmo rallied to beat Russia’s sixth-seeded Vera Zvonareva 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to complete a successful defense of her Advanta Championship title in Philadelphia yesterday.
It was the Frenchwoman’s fifth title this year, and the 15th of her career. It improved her record to 5-0 against Zvonareva.
Mauresmo, who won the Linz Open a week ago, will hope to maintain her sparkling form at next week’s season-ending WTA championships in Los Angeles.
