Top seeded Andy Roddick won his first ATP World Tour title of the year with a win over an in-form Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic 7-5, 7-5 in the finals of Regions Morgan Keegan Championships. The top ranked American also avenged his loss to Stepanek in last week's San Jose semifinals.

Stepanek who was on a mission to win his second consecutive and third title of the year after wins in Brisbane and San Jose last week, faltered at the final hurdle.

 "I had some break chances in the second set and couldn't convert and that was the difference. His game is based around his serve and he served really well when he had to. We had a great match and a lot of good rallies. The only difference was break points and I couldn't convert when I had chances, said Stepanek.
 
"I am happy with the start of the year but not satisfied. I hope to keep playing well the rest of the season and I will continue to work hard."

For Roddick, the title brings a sweet revenge after a loss in the semifinals last week to the same opponent.

"I'm very satisfied and thought it was a very good level of tennis. We have a long year ahead of us and this is a nice start but there's a lot of work ahead, beamed Roddick. "I am feeling good and I like coming here. It's nice to win again here and 2002 seems like a long time ago. I felt like I have left a couple of titles here out on the table." 

Today's victory consolidated Roddick's position in the South African Airways ATP singles rankings after having added 250 points to his total.