Davydenko is the unlikely star of the O2
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO treated the London crowd a tennis masterclass on his way to becoming the first Russian to win the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals.
The 28-year-old turned on the style to beat Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 to claim the biggest title of his career – and a cheque for just over £900,000.
It was the perfect end to a perfect week for Davydenko, who shone as the unlikely star over the eight days at the O2 Arena, watched by over 250,000 fans overall.
Victories over world No2 Rafael Nadal, in-form Robin Soderling and world No1 Roger Federer earned him a second successive place in the final after having lost to Novak Djokovic in Shanghai last year.
“Until 2008, so many names there, like Djokovic, Federer, everyone, Pete Sampras,” said the nostalgic world No7.
“In 2009 the name Davydenko stays forever for this trophy. I think it’s amazing. I know the history of the Masters Cup. For my name be there is something amazing for me.”
Buoyed by a first victory over Federer in 13 attempts in Saturday’s semi-finals, Davydenko looked fresher and sharper than US Open champion Del Potro, who was clearly feeling the after-effects of his late night semi-final win over Soderling.
A sloppy, error-strewn start from the Argentine gave Davydenko the first break at 3-1 and he never looked back, clinching the set with a 70 per cent first serve percentage and not one forced error to his name.
Victory would have seen Del Potro leapfrog Andy Murray as world No4, and the Argentine rallied to twice force Davydenko to save two break points early in the second set.
But the Russian soon steadied himself to take the crucial break in game nine and hold out for the biggest title of his career.
“Before the match, I was warming up, I was so tired,” relieved Davydenko admitted. “I was already starting to be scared about how I start to play the match, how can I play against Del Potro.
“And really in the beginning from the first game, I won my serve. I started to get really good concentration, to be positive, everything was a good feeling.”