Davydenko best among masters in Shanghai
Published: 18 October, 2009, 17:06
Edited: 19 October, 2009, 06:56
Nikolay Davydenko of Russia plays a shot to Rafael Nadal of Spain during their men's singles final match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament October 18, 2009 (AFP Photo / Getty Images)
Nikolay Davydenko has upset top-seeded Rafael Nadal 7-6 (3), 6-3 to win the Shanghai Masters for his fourth title of the year.
Despite the fact that Davydenko, going into the final, knocked out such masters as Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, Czech Radek Stepanek and Serb Novak Djokovic, he was not regarded as the favorite in his clash against world number two Rafael Nadal.
But the sixth-seeded Russian managed it in style, beating Nadal in straight sets. He took the first one on a tie-break and broke decisively in the sixth game of the second to collect his 18th career title.
Nadal returned last week after a month out due to a pulled stomach muscle at the US Open. The Spaniard looked rusty, and two of his opponents in previous matches had retired: Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in the quarterfinals and Feliciano Lopez of Spain in the semifinals.
On top of Shanghai, Davydenko has so far this year won tournaments in Hamburg; Umag, Russia; and Kuala Lumpur.
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When Davidenko finds himself in a characteristic mood he looks unbeatable! I watched how he won against Novak who also was playing one of his better games. I also remember how furious was Davidenko against the very same Nadal some two years ago at one US tournament. However, that's Davidenko: furious at times, but often insecure against those from the top five. Glad he won.