Superb Nikolay Davydenko Thrashes Ailing Rafael Nadal in Doha

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: January 7, 2011

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When was the world's No. 1, Rafael Nadal, last broken in five consecutive service games? It's been a few years I dare say. From the start, it looked as if we were to be gifted with a Fedal final to begin 2011 with. 

Nadal came up an early break and Federer had taken care of business earlier with a straights set win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. It was time for revenge for Nadal, who had lost the last three matches against Davydenko and trailed him 4-5 in their h2h. But then Nadal faltered. And withered away. 

Davydenko took advantage and with a near flawless game, he brought himself up 6-3, 4-0. Nadal was serving, knowing he would risk a bagel if he didn't hold.

At 3-0 in the second, Nadal had called the trainer saying that he felt unusually tired after a mere three games in the match. His body language said it all. No fist-pumping, no chasing down every ball. Instead he was bending over in between points. Resting his hands on his thighs. But Nadal was determined to see the match through, to fit to the end. Perhaps to atone for a withdrawal against the same opponent after losing the first set in 2008. Or perhaps just because he's a fighter. 

Anyhow, there wasn't much fight during the stretch in which Davydenko won 10 out of 11 games. The errors kept piling in, Nadal's timing was off, a shadow of himself and Davydenko was as hot as we've seen him since this time last. Not a good combination. 

Serving at 0-4, Nadal seemed determined not to be bageled for the second day in a row. After a couple of games, where it almost seemed as if he gave the points away to get over with the match, Nadal returned to his warrior mentality, blasting forehands and giving Davydenko a run for it. Davydenko was up break point, but Nadal fought back. Another break-point and Davydenko seemed on course to steamroll Nadal completely. 

But it ain't over till it's over. No one seemed more aware of that th...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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