Davydenko Defeats Nadal in Doha; Roddick Reaches Final in Brisbane

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at Internationaled.org

Published: January 9, 2010

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Qatar ExxonMobil Open—Doha

A day after defeating top seed Roger Federer in the semifinals of the Qatar Open, Russian Nikolay Davydenko dismissed No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal in an epic championship match on Saturday.

Winning his second straight Tour title, Davydenko overcame an embarrassing first set to defeat Nadal 0-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4.

The fantastic two hour and 43 minute encounter featured two of best baseliners in the business.

Nadal began his quest to end an eight-month title drought by running his opponent ragged. Winning 100 percent of his second-serve points, Nadal blew through the first set losing only 11 points.

Holding a definitive one-set-to-love lead, Nadal's fortunes began diminish as the second set commenced.

Losing his serve in the fifth game, Nadal began to feel the imposing will of his Russian opponent.

Davydenko's movement to his shots began to grow stronger, allowing for greater control of the baseline exchanges.

Holding his serve for 5-4, Davydenko missed an opportunity to close out the set.

Nadal stepped up his backhand crosscourt, breaking the Russian to force an 11th game.

Subsequent holds by both players meant that an ensuing tiebreak would follow–and what a tiebreaker it became.

Striking seemingly one brilliant shot after another, Davydenko raced to 4-1 lead. The Russian was playing the match on his terms, not allowing Nadal to control the center of the court.

Not to be outdone, Nadal stormed back to create two match-point at 6-5, and 8-7. Forcing Nadal to hit winners for the title, Davydenko saved both match points by going for hit shots.

Closing out the 20-minute tiebreak, the stoic Russian appeared fit for the final set.

Nadal would strike first in set three, breaking Davydenko to lead 2-1. Squandering a 0-30 opportunity in the fifth game of the set, Nadal missed a vital chan...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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