Ten years after turning pro, Nikolay Davydenko played his best season on Tour in 2009. The Russian won five titles, including his first Masters 1000 crown in Shanghai and the inaugural ATP Finals in London. Nikolay suffered an early loss in Paris to Robin Soderling and had ample time to prepare for the elite ATP event that had been moved from Shanghai to London.
In a repeat of last year’s final, Davydenko won the first set against defending champion Novak Djokovic before falling in three tight sets. The Russian then beat Rafael Nadal and Robin Soderling to reach the semi-finals.
Davydenko faced his most formidable opponent on November 28, seeking his first victory over Roger Federer in 13 meetings. The Russian beat the Swiss 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 in one hour and 56 minutes to win the ATP Finals title back to back.
Federer had to survive a tight group with Fernando Verdasco, Juan Martin Del Potro and Andy Murray, and he still had chances in this case. The Swiss fell just two points from victory in the tenth game of the deciding set before dropping three games in a row to end his run in the semi-finals.
Davydenko served just 54% but did his best to defend his serve and stay in touch with Federer, taking five more points than the 15-time Major champion and saving four of six break points to keep the pressure on the other side.
Roger’s first serve worked like a charm, but his second gave him trouble, having to play against five break chances and giving up serve four times to stay out of the title chase. Federer started the match with three winners in the opening game and had a chance to earn an instant break in the next.
Nikolay fended off two break points to avoid an early setback and leveled the score at 1-1 after a Federer error down the forehand.
King Roger is a legend
Speaking about all things tennis during a recent interview with Daily China, Zheng lay special emphasis on her admiration for Roger Federer.
“My idol was Roger Federer, I always say he’s amazing. When I was young, I often go in front of TV to watch his match,” Zheng said. “I’m watching a lot, Djokovic, and then of course Roger Federer, Nadal, all the best players,” Zheng had said.
The teenager impressed earlier this year with a run to the second round at the Australian Open as a qualifier, where she lost to Maria Sakkari. But her breakthrough performance came at Roland Garros, where she defeated former champion Simona Halep in the second round.
