Robredo beats Stepanek for Hamburg crown

Spain's Tommy Robredo won his first Masters Series title yesterday, defeating Czech Radek Stepanek 6-1 6-3 6-3 in a one-sided final in Hamburg.

The Barcelona-based eighth seed broke Stepanek twice in each of the first two sets and then smashed a backhand winner down the line to grab the crucial break in the third for a 5-3 lead.

With the umbrella-like retractable roof closed to protect the clay of centre court from the rain, Robredo gained the upper hand over the 15th seed with a slew of thumping passing shots and skilful top-spin lobs.

Stepanek had chances to break the Spaniard in all three sets but could not quite produce the form that had taken him to the final without dropping a set.