It's Roddick over Radek in title duel

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Andy Roddick won his first title of 2009 and the 27th of his career Sunday, beating Czech Radek Stepanek, 7-5, 7-5, in the finals of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.

Only Roger Federer (57) and Rafael Nadal (32) have won more titles among active players. Roddick confirmed Friday that he wouldn’t defend his title at Dubai. He said he wasn’t happy about the denial of a visa to Israeli player Shahar Peer by the United Arab Emirates for the women’s event this week.

But Roddick read a report that a hernia was his reason for withdrawing.

“There’s no other reason. Obviously, I don’t have a hernia. I probably wouldn’t have played too well today. I would ask you guys to check but that might be inappropriate. I’m 100 percent healthy,” Roddick said.         (AP)