Andy Roddick Marks Return From Injury With Win

Andy Roddick saw off a second set surge from Radek Stepanek to win the Brisbane International title.

The American has been out of action for three months with a knee injury, an injury which saw him miss out on playing in the ATP World Tour Finals in London back in November, and this was his first tournament back.

The opening set was a tight affair between the two players as Stepanek stuck with the American in the first set to take it to a tie break.

It was the first tournament back for the Czech after throwing away a two sets to love lead on the opening day of the Davis Cup against David Ferrer of Spain back in December.

But in the tie-break it was all one way traffic in favour of the American as he bossed it from start to finish taking it 7-2 and the opening set.

And it looked like it was going to be a quick end to the match as Roddick broke Stepanek in the opening game of the second before quickly opening up an impressive 4-0 lead.

But Stepanek, famed for his ability to fight back, pulled himself together to get both break back and level the second set at 5-5.

Another tie-break beckoned in the Pat Rafter Stadium and Roddick once again surged ahead as he opened up a 1-6 lead and stood on the verge of victory.

But the battling spirit in Stepanek wasn’t about to give in as he won six points on the bounce, saving all five match points.

But Roddick composed himself and gained another match point at 8-7 and a double fault from Stepanek handed him the match and his 28th career title.

It was Roddick’s first title in Australia since he won the Australian Open junior title ten years ago.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match Roddick said: "It was weird. I don't think I have squandered a lead where I have been putting in first serves and making approach shots.

"And in the breakers it was the same deal. I kept making first serves so that was helping me hold on to the last shred of sanity I had.

“But at the end of the day the only thing that will be remembered is the 'w' (win)."

In the Chennai Open Marin Cilic held of a spirited fight from Stanislas Wawrinka to win 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) and retain the title.

Cilic, who sent Murray packing in September’s U.S. Open, looked in fine form as he dispatched the Swiss number two in two hours and forth minutes.

The defending champion dropped just one set on route to reclaiming his title which is a major confidence boost going into the Australian Open which stars next week.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw