D. NALBANDIAN/N. Davydenko
6-0, 7-5
An interview with: NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English and Chinese.
Q. What happened the first set?
Were you hurt? He was playing too well?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know, it's
nothing happen because Nalbandian, I don't
think so how many mistake he make in the first
set? He just tried to keep game like from
baseline control and very fast to play, you know,
from baseline. I get difficult to control. I make
few mistake. He make only winners and no
mistake.
It was difficult to control in first set. Was
for me like try to find with control because balls
was very fast and very low in this surface. I need
to run many run, make something different. You
know, try to win some points, but is difficult and
was 6-Love.
He was returning good, and from
baseline even he play good. I serving today well.
Start many first serve, and he was returning
normal, then we play from baseline.
Q. What happened in the second?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: In the second
was different because different control. I was
already try to find already from baseline with
control, and I can't really something to do in the
same like how Nalbandian because I was
already tired after the first set because I was too
many run. Nalbandian to play very fast, and I
was too many run. I try something to find in the
first set and was difficult. Now started, okay, like
make break, was 4-2, was difficult game in my
serve. I think this game was important to be for
the third set. But he win this game and was
difficult already to come back.
Q. You said you think this game was
difficult to come back. Didn't you think after
6-Love that you could fight back?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You don't
think about anything because you just try to play
every game, every point. If you get some
chance, you try to take this chance. And today
was chance in the second set. I need something
to prove because sometimes if you get chance,
you need to play like very good. In this important
point, I was playing not so great, and I losing
match.
Q. Before your match, Gaudio played
another match. The same as Gaudio, both
played yesterday. Do you think the tiredness
is the reason why you lost today's game?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: No, I don't
think so. Was like Nalbandian get one day off.
For me yesterday I play, and today it was okay. I
was fit. I was good running. It was normally.
I think for me I was play okay. Okay, it's
like difficult because he play fast, and I need to
find something how he playing, find his control
from baseline. I told yesterday already press, we
both play from baseline, and who is better get
control from baseline and is win match. He was
better today.
Q. You say you like to play many
tournaments. Are you sad not to have any
tournaments coming for one month or
happy?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: What do you
mean?
Q. What will you do after this is over?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: Well, you
know, today it's like I finish. I get now holiday.
I'm also lucky. It's not like this important because
I lose semifinal. I'm also happy because finish
career now in this season and get some holiday
now and take rest. I am happy.
Q. What do you think about tomorrow's final between Federer and
Nalbandian?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know, I
don't know about Federer -- Federer play well.
Okay, not like today because this was easy
match. But I think Nalbandian is very good
player now in this time because before
sometimes he play well, sometimes not so good.
And now today he was like against Ljubicic he
play also well and against me play also very
good. I think tomorrow should be a very good
final.
Q. Before the semis you said you'd
rather play Nalbandian. Do you think you
made a mistake at that time, maybe Ljubicic
would have been better for you to play in the
semis?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: No, but like I
tell, Ljubicic was -- I think against Ljubicic also
difficult to play because he try to play short
points. He make more serving. Nalbandian try
to play good from baseline. I was surprising. I
don't make no mistake because I like to play
against guys who make from baseline players.
For me, like easy to play this guy. But
Nalbandian play very well today. I think he
make the best game today.
http://www.masters-cup.com/en/interviews/pdf/davydenko7.pdf
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Nikolay named Russia's Top Player
Sharapova and Davydenko named Russia's top players
MOSCOW, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova and Nikolay Davydenko have been named Russia's best players in 2005, the country's tennis federation announced at its annual award gala on Saturday.
This year, Florida-based Sharapova became the first Russian woman to take the world number one spot and she also reached semi-finals at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in addition to winning three WTA singles titles.
The 18-year-old Sharapova, who finished the year as number four in the world, pipped Elena Dementieva as Russia's top female player while Ukraine-born Davydenko won the men's award ahead of Igor Andreev and Australian Open champion Marat Safin.
Dementieva led Russia to their second consecutive Fed Cup title by beating France in the final at Roland Garros.
She won both of her singles matches against Mary Pierce and Amelie Mauresmo before teaming up with Dinara Safina in the decisive doubles to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Davydenko has had the best year of his career.
The 24-year-old reached the semi-finals of a grand slam for the first time at Roland Garros and made the last four at the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. He also led Russia to the Davis Cup semi-finals in the absence of the injured Safin.
Andreev won his first ATP titles this year, triumphing in Valencia, Palermo and Moscow, while Safin, troubled by a persistent knee injury, has had a largely disappointing season.
After winning his second Australian Open title in January, Safin has played only one tournament since Wimbledon, losing in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Masters Series in August.
Russia's Fed Cup side were voted the best team for the second year in a row.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-russia&prov=reuters&type=lgns
MOSCOW, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova and Nikolay Davydenko have been named Russia's best players in 2005, the country's tennis federation announced at its annual award gala on Saturday.
This year, Florida-based Sharapova became the first Russian woman to take the world number one spot and she also reached semi-finals at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in addition to winning three WTA singles titles.
The 18-year-old Sharapova, who finished the year as number four in the world, pipped Elena Dementieva as Russia's top female player while Ukraine-born Davydenko won the men's award ahead of Igor Andreev and Australian Open champion Marat Safin.
Dementieva led Russia to their second consecutive Fed Cup title by beating France in the final at Roland Garros.
She won both of her singles matches against Mary Pierce and Amelie Mauresmo before teaming up with Dinara Safina in the decisive doubles to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Davydenko has had the best year of his career.
The 24-year-old reached the semi-finals of a grand slam for the first time at Roland Garros and made the last four at the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. He also led Russia to the Davis Cup semi-finals in the absence of the injured Safin.
Andreev won his first ATP titles this year, triumphing in Valencia, Palermo and Moscow, while Safin, troubled by a persistent knee injury, has had a largely disappointing season.
After winning his second Australian Open title in January, Safin has played only one tournament since Wimbledon, losing in the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Masters Series in August.
Russia's Fed Cup side were voted the best team for the second year in a row.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-russia&prov=reuters&type=lgns
Friday, November 18, 2005
Nikolay after his win over M Puerta.
N. DAVYDENKO/M. Puerta
6-3, 6-2
An interview with:NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English and Chinese.
Q. Can you give us some forecast
about your semifinal? Nalbandian is a little
bit better on this surface.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: Yeah, okay, I
tell about Nalbandian. For me priority also
semifinal play against Nalbandian because I
was surprising he beat so easy Ljubicic.
Yesterday he play very well, because I think he
was the best match for Nalbandian. I see all
match, he was in good control, play from
baseline. He returning everything. I was
surprising.
But Ljubicic I think not so good
concentration with match. I think he was most
only from serving, try to make only first serve and
make winners. But Nalbandian to do everything,
to make good control and to win match.
For me also tomorrow important, also
like Nalbandian to good control from baseline. I
think if the ball guy to play from baseline should
be to find who should be better tomorrow.
Q. Why were the games so easy
today? Do you feel you are lucky?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know,
okay, it's like a group because Nadal and
Agassi is not playing here. But easy today? It
was not so easy. First set started Puerta play
very well. I was surprising he play fast. In this
surface he was normal. But he make some few
mistake and easy mistake, and I was break back.
Also the second set, he play some few
points, you know, not concentration.
For me was easy to win games for returning
and then keep my serve only and to win match.
http://www.masters-cup.com/en/interviews/pdf/davydenko6.pdf
6-3, 6-2
An interview with:NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English and Chinese.
Q. Can you give us some forecast
about your semifinal? Nalbandian is a little
bit better on this surface.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: Yeah, okay, I
tell about Nalbandian. For me priority also
semifinal play against Nalbandian because I
was surprising he beat so easy Ljubicic.
Yesterday he play very well, because I think he
was the best match for Nalbandian. I see all
match, he was in good control, play from
baseline. He returning everything. I was
surprising.
But Ljubicic I think not so good
concentration with match. I think he was most
only from serving, try to make only first serve and
make winners. But Nalbandian to do everything,
to make good control and to win match.
For me also tomorrow important, also
like Nalbandian to good control from baseline. I
think if the ball guy to play from baseline should
be to find who should be better tomorrow.
Q. Why were the games so easy
today? Do you feel you are lucky?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know,
okay, it's like a group because Nadal and
Agassi is not playing here. But easy today? It
was not so easy. First set started Puerta play
very well. I was surprising he play fast. In this
surface he was normal. But he make some few
mistake and easy mistake, and I was break back.
Also the second set, he play some few
points, you know, not concentration.
For me was easy to win games for returning
and then keep my serve only and to win match.
http://www.masters-cup.com/en/interviews/pdf/davydenko6.pdf
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Tosee in Shanghai: Day 2
wish my memories good enough now
-- last night when i got to the stadium, papa was hosting his friends from Peking, so my bros and i decided not to sit together with them coz they are not a few at all, and never experienced to watch the players into and out at the entrance then they put us at the balcony closest to the entrance, there were many ensure workers with us which gave us another way to know more about kolya
-- when kolya coming, gato in front of him, both were a bit serious, i said quickly ''good luck gato'' ''Davai kolya'' my bros louder ''c'mon davydenko'' but he didnt smile to us at all just head up his eyes
-- his matches made me a little worried by his serve, omg, esp when he was on the side of mine, every time he served out, my 'ya' nearly at the same time which was funny so that the persons around us happily watched me but i didnt feel shy at all
-- you know, Max Mirnyi also watched me every time he with another three men sitting just just, omg, next balcony behind ours, and they obviously stood by kolya's side so i watched Max clapping for kolya happily and he did that to my 'ya' when kolya served badly happily during the breaks, we asked for his signs though he lost in the doubles again still nice to fullfil us all, he is a kind man, read our magazine and talked with his partners about some restaurants
-- we need to admit that Gato is the better actor last night but i am so happy to see an opener kolya, it seems that he had some pressure and some muzzled passion with also, so he lost 3 mps but saved 3 again then he showed his nice passion out, what he said after match on the court made us Chinese so full
-- i think he really feel good in Shanghai below from our ensure workers, we had a happy talk with them, they told us many about the players and their families which helped us to know more about them and so happy i am not wrong at all, who i enjoy is also their likings
-- they said it was their first time to know kolya, of course we Chinese are used to calling him 'Davydenko' - 达维登科，they said he is polite and silent, never made them any trouble
-- before match, all of them were talking about their head-to-head, so some of them thought Goto would hold on to the decisive set, others thought kolya could easily get the match so they joined us to cheer for kolya
-- when kolya led 5-2 ready to serve for match, all were standing at the outside-entrance but omg kolya was broken in the end, they were so frustrated even more than me of course we all not lose confidence, i was so happy to find more supporters on court for kolya every match now i am waiting for next match, dont know who i would meet then
-- in their eyes, all the women with the players not that beautiful, you know, our Chinese guys now more interested in oriental girl style but they said Ira is silent and polite too omg, they didnt like Roger's at all, i asked them why, they didnt tell it out in detail, but they agreed with each other even with the drivers god bless i never intersted in Roger's, also among all the masters, they just blacklist Agassi
in the previous matches, fans asked for sign just at the entrance which made sthg dangerous so last night they not allow us to do anything when match finished, but they workers told me to get ready a bit earlier outside the players' road, so one of my bros prepared for taking photos, i hold my postcards and pen there are some children, women, men shouting ''please for me please'' i watching them seriously afraid to miss then omg, at last, under the workers' protection, kolya walking to me
he smiled then, i was so moved omg, i was not strong enough he signned again for me, coz it was not my first, so i stared at him instead, you know, on the court, we can easily notice his hair but when he in front of you so closely, it is impossible for you to care about his hair any more, i could just notice his face is clean and some handsome in fact, i think maybe i ll feel him more handsome on Friday
i just wish him not that slim later even in our Chinese girls' eyes, he still a bit slim, i am slim in fact, so i often pity myself, now i begin to pity kolya
-- last night when i got to the stadium, papa was hosting his friends from Peking, so my bros and i decided not to sit together with them coz they are not a few at all, and never experienced to watch the players into and out at the entrance then they put us at the balcony closest to the entrance, there were many ensure workers with us which gave us another way to know more about kolya
-- when kolya coming, gato in front of him, both were a bit serious, i said quickly ''good luck gato'' ''Davai kolya'' my bros louder ''c'mon davydenko'' but he didnt smile to us at all just head up his eyes
-- his matches made me a little worried by his serve, omg, esp when he was on the side of mine, every time he served out, my 'ya' nearly at the same time which was funny so that the persons around us happily watched me but i didnt feel shy at all
-- you know, Max Mirnyi also watched me every time he with another three men sitting just just, omg, next balcony behind ours, and they obviously stood by kolya's side so i watched Max clapping for kolya happily and he did that to my 'ya' when kolya served badly happily during the breaks, we asked for his signs though he lost in the doubles again still nice to fullfil us all, he is a kind man, read our magazine and talked with his partners about some restaurants
-- we need to admit that Gato is the better actor last night but i am so happy to see an opener kolya, it seems that he had some pressure and some muzzled passion with also, so he lost 3 mps but saved 3 again then he showed his nice passion out, what he said after match on the court made us Chinese so full
-- i think he really feel good in Shanghai below from our ensure workers, we had a happy talk with them, they told us many about the players and their families which helped us to know more about them and so happy i am not wrong at all, who i enjoy is also their likings
-- they said it was their first time to know kolya, of course we Chinese are used to calling him 'Davydenko' - 达维登科，they said he is polite and silent, never made them any trouble
-- before match, all of them were talking about their head-to-head, so some of them thought Goto would hold on to the decisive set, others thought kolya could easily get the match so they joined us to cheer for kolya
-- when kolya led 5-2 ready to serve for match, all were standing at the outside-entrance but omg kolya was broken in the end, they were so frustrated even more than me of course we all not lose confidence, i was so happy to find more supporters on court for kolya every match now i am waiting for next match, dont know who i would meet then
-- in their eyes, all the women with the players not that beautiful, you know, our Chinese guys now more interested in oriental girl style but they said Ira is silent and polite too omg, they didnt like Roger's at all, i asked them why, they didnt tell it out in detail, but they agreed with each other even with the drivers god bless i never intersted in Roger's, also among all the masters, they just blacklist Agassi
in the previous matches, fans asked for sign just at the entrance which made sthg dangerous so last night they not allow us to do anything when match finished, but they workers told me to get ready a bit earlier outside the players' road, so one of my bros prepared for taking photos, i hold my postcards and pen there are some children, women, men shouting ''please for me please'' i watching them seriously afraid to miss then omg, at last, under the workers' protection, kolya walking to me
he smiled then, i was so moved omg, i was not strong enough he signned again for me, coz it was not my first, so i stared at him instead, you know, on the court, we can easily notice his hair but when he in front of you so closely, it is impossible for you to care about his hair any more, i could just notice his face is clean and some handsome in fact, i think maybe i ll feel him more handsome on Friday
i just wish him not that slim later even in our Chinese girls' eyes, he still a bit slim, i am slim in fact, so i often pity myself, now i begin to pity kolya
Interview after Nikolay's win over Gaudio
N. DAVYDENKO/G. Gaudio 6-3, 6-4
An interview with: NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English or Chinese, please.
Q. Everybody seems to be injured. You're still here playing very well. How do you rate your chances to actually stay unbeaten in this tournament?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: My chance, okay, is already to be into the semifinals is big chance. But, okay, it's like everybody injured and I'm also concentration not to be injury here because it's very tough to play. Surface is very difficult. If you not concentration with surface, you can be injury. Because sometimes like Agassi was retired. I think he get already in the match something problem, shoulder or something. But for me, okay, I play many tournament, but I be already little bit injury, my wrist in Wimbledon. Now I am feeling okay. And is end of the season. Like now I have no injury. I think preparation for next year should be great.
Q. Is it any disadvantage for you coming from what most people are perceiving as the weaker group here?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: What do you mean?
Q. Any disadvantage coming into the semifinals, saying you make it.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know, before, like I play in Paris, like win second round or third round. Like the ATP tell me I am already in in Shanghai. I was surprised. Okay, should be group is very tough, like Hewitt play and Roddick still playing. Like I am already No. 7 because Safin was already pull out because was injury. And then I already coming to Shanghai and was surprising because Roddick pull out, and then Hewitt don't play. And it's was -- group was tough. Because Agassi was, Nadal, and Gaudio. And after my match, like Agassi was retired and Nadal didn't play no matches. And was surprising. I see I get chance to come into the semifinal. I think it's, you know, it's great for me because if you get some chance, you need to take this chance, you know? I think for the next year should be tough to play. I think not like five guys retire for top five, you know. Like if, you know, I am still to play great, like why not, you know. Why I don't take this chance to come in here to the Shanghai and play semifinal.
Q. Ivan Ljubicic was saying yesterday that there was part of him, he said he was having a chat with his coach, and there was part of him that felt the achievement in qualifying here would not be seen as being as special as it was because of all the talk of injuries and the withdrawals. Is there a part of you that feels that way as well, or not?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I didn't understand so question. But I think like for Ljubicic, should be he was also first time here in Masters Series. He's I think the best player now in indoor season because he was in the finals Masters and win two tournaments. I think he's a favorite here also in Masters. But, you know, he like losing Federer in three sets, and 7-6 in the third. I think before he beat everybody here. But, you know, Federer also top fit here. You don't know who can, you know, win this tournament. But for my, you know - how you say? - my group, is no Ljubicic, no Federer (smiling).
Q. This has been by far the best year of your career. Is there anything that it started with? Is there something that happened maybe last year that began this wonderful year?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know, it's like started from January, like coming to the Doha to play semifinal, like first tournament in year. Then straight to come to Australia Open quarterfinal. You know, coming to the indoor season, like play quarterfinal, like few quarterfinal. Then, you know, like semifinal. Then win like in clay court one tournament and also semifinal. Like was every week play quarterfinal, semifinal. It's already mentally is go better, because like to tell me I play so many matches in this year, so many tournament. For me, it's important to play many tournament in a year because my mentally, my confidence go better if I play every week. I feeling like better my tennis and I can try to do something - maybe something different, maybe something better for the next week and next week, and should be to play better. I think in the end of the year, like coming to Wimbledon, like I win my first match in grass court. It's also amazing for me, you know. I never like win match in grass court, and one match is already for me something important, you know. I think it's like every week, if you win one match, it's already something important for you because you feeling like you can do in your career important things and you can in the futures play better and better.
Q. You say the surface is difficult here. What does it mean exactly for you? The surface is the same as in Paris, you have to be more careful here.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: No, it's the same like in Paris. It's the same like was in Lyon, I think, and Basel. But like Nadal and Agassi were retired from this tournament. He didn't play no tournament because Madrid was in hard courts surface. And who still only to play was -- Federer didn't play also no tournament in indoor. It's first time. I think for Federer it doesn't matter which surface to play. He can play on ice, it's okay (laughter). But Ljubicic make better confidence. He win everything, every surface. And he like this surface. Because for guys who play from baseline, it's difficult to run because it's very sticky and sometimes if you not so concentration for the run, you can be injury for your, you know, foot and should be you get some problem. You know, if like Ljubicic play very fast, make serve, like serve and try to hitting one, two balls, and is very difficult to run here and like control to the ball. Many guys here retire because it should be difficult to run.
Q. You will probably be the winner of your group. Which one would you prefer to play in the semifinal: Ljubicic or Nalbandian?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: Nalbandian because he is more play from baseline. He is like is better for me control from baseline. Because Ljubicic, I lose already in Davis Cup in Croatia, in Metz. Is very tough to play against him in indoor, in this surface, because he make very great serve and try to play very fast. And Nalbandian playing little bit slow and good control from baseline. For me like today against like Gaudio, everything from baseline is for me more easy to play against Nalbandian.
Q. You played more than 80 matches this year, a lot of long rallies in a lot of those matches. Have you and your brother ever sort of talked about how far you've actually run in all that time? It must be many, many marathons.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: Marathons is only maybe five sets like in the Roland Garros like, you know. But I not tough guy. I lose Puerta in semifinal in fifth set. I was 4-2 in the fifth, and I lose the match. But, you know, for me, I would say it doesn't matter how many matches I play in the year. For me, important not to be injury. And if I feeling great, I can play how many I can. If I need to play hundred, I play hundred, you know, matches, how fast every week. If I feeling good, I have like no injury, I can play every week tournament and feeling great, is why not? I am young and I try to play.
http://www.masters-cup.com/en/interviews/pdf/davydenko2.pdf
An interview with: NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English or Chinese, please.
Q. Everybody seems to be injured. You're still here playing very well. How do you rate your chances to actually stay unbeaten in this tournament?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: My chance, okay, is already to be into the semifinals is big chance. But, okay, it's like everybody injured and I'm also concentration not to be injury here because it's very tough to play. Surface is very difficult. If you not concentration with surface, you can be injury. Because sometimes like Agassi was retired. I think he get already in the match something problem, shoulder or something. But for me, okay, I play many tournament, but I be already little bit injury, my wrist in Wimbledon. Now I am feeling okay. And is end of the season. Like now I have no injury. I think preparation for next year should be great.
Q. Is it any disadvantage for you coming from what most people are perceiving as the weaker group here?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: What do you mean?
Q. Any disadvantage coming into the semifinals, saying you make it.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know, before, like I play in Paris, like win second round or third round. Like the ATP tell me I am already in in Shanghai. I was surprised. Okay, should be group is very tough, like Hewitt play and Roddick still playing. Like I am already No. 7 because Safin was already pull out because was injury. And then I already coming to Shanghai and was surprising because Roddick pull out, and then Hewitt don't play. And it's was -- group was tough. Because Agassi was, Nadal, and Gaudio. And after my match, like Agassi was retired and Nadal didn't play no matches. And was surprising. I see I get chance to come into the semifinal. I think it's, you know, it's great for me because if you get some chance, you need to take this chance, you know? I think for the next year should be tough to play. I think not like five guys retire for top five, you know. Like if, you know, I am still to play great, like why not, you know. Why I don't take this chance to come in here to the Shanghai and play semifinal.
Q. Ivan Ljubicic was saying yesterday that there was part of him, he said he was having a chat with his coach, and there was part of him that felt the achievement in qualifying here would not be seen as being as special as it was because of all the talk of injuries and the withdrawals. Is there a part of you that feels that way as well, or not?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I didn't understand so question. But I think like for Ljubicic, should be he was also first time here in Masters Series. He's I think the best player now in indoor season because he was in the finals Masters and win two tournaments. I think he's a favorite here also in Masters. But, you know, he like losing Federer in three sets, and 7-6 in the third. I think before he beat everybody here. But, you know, Federer also top fit here. You don't know who can, you know, win this tournament. But for my, you know - how you say? - my group, is no Ljubicic, no Federer (smiling).
Q. This has been by far the best year of your career. Is there anything that it started with? Is there something that happened maybe last year that began this wonderful year?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You know, it's like started from January, like coming to the Doha to play semifinal, like first tournament in year. Then straight to come to Australia Open quarterfinal. You know, coming to the indoor season, like play quarterfinal, like few quarterfinal. Then, you know, like semifinal. Then win like in clay court one tournament and also semifinal. Like was every week play quarterfinal, semifinal. It's already mentally is go better, because like to tell me I play so many matches in this year, so many tournament. For me, it's important to play many tournament in a year because my mentally, my confidence go better if I play every week. I feeling like better my tennis and I can try to do something - maybe something different, maybe something better for the next week and next week, and should be to play better. I think in the end of the year, like coming to Wimbledon, like I win my first match in grass court. It's also amazing for me, you know. I never like win match in grass court, and one match is already for me something important, you know. I think it's like every week, if you win one match, it's already something important for you because you feeling like you can do in your career important things and you can in the futures play better and better.
Q. You say the surface is difficult here. What does it mean exactly for you? The surface is the same as in Paris, you have to be more careful here.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: No, it's the same like in Paris. It's the same like was in Lyon, I think, and Basel. But like Nadal and Agassi were retired from this tournament. He didn't play no tournament because Madrid was in hard courts surface. And who still only to play was -- Federer didn't play also no tournament in indoor. It's first time. I think for Federer it doesn't matter which surface to play. He can play on ice, it's okay (laughter). But Ljubicic make better confidence. He win everything, every surface. And he like this surface. Because for guys who play from baseline, it's difficult to run because it's very sticky and sometimes if you not so concentration for the run, you can be injury for your, you know, foot and should be you get some problem. You know, if like Ljubicic play very fast, make serve, like serve and try to hitting one, two balls, and is very difficult to run here and like control to the ball. Many guys here retire because it should be difficult to run.
Q. You will probably be the winner of your group. Which one would you prefer to play in the semifinal: Ljubicic or Nalbandian?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: Nalbandian because he is more play from baseline. He is like is better for me control from baseline. Because Ljubicic, I lose already in Davis Cup in Croatia, in Metz. Is very tough to play against him in indoor, in this surface, because he make very great serve and try to play very fast. And Nalbandian playing little bit slow and good control from baseline. For me like today against like Gaudio, everything from baseline is for me more easy to play against Nalbandian.
Q. You played more than 80 matches this year, a lot of long rallies in a lot of those matches. Have you and your brother ever sort of talked about how far you've actually run in all that time? It must be many, many marathons.
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: Marathons is only maybe five sets like in the Roland Garros like, you know. But I not tough guy. I lose Puerta in semifinal in fifth set. I was 4-2 in the fifth, and I lose the match. But, you know, for me, I would say it doesn't matter how many matches I play in the year. For me, important not to be injury. And if I feeling great, I can play how many I can. If I need to play hundred, I play hundred, you know, matches, how fast every week. If I feeling good, I have like no injury, I can play every week tournament and feeling great, is why not? I am young and I try to play.
http://www.masters-cup.com/en/interviews/pdf/davydenko2.pdf
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Kolya Interview after his win over Agassi
N. DAVYDENKO/A. Agassi
6-4, 6-2
An interview with: NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English or Chinese, please.
Q. Congratulations for winning your first Round Robin match. Now that we know that Rafael Nadal has withdrawn and Andre Agassi pulled out after this match, how do you look forward to your future in this tournament?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't know like about futures because like what today was, you know, surprising. Agassi was starting play well but then in the second set I think he find some injury because he never play -- I already play two times against him. He was like started in the first set, he finish the same. But after the first set I think he get some problem somewhere and he don't want to play anymore and just he just try to play fast and like losing match. But what my futures about, I get only two matches more. It's Puerta and Gaudio. Both guy -- okay, for me, I think Gaudio is more difficult because I lose already five times, but in clay court. And for me, Puerta also clay court, and also like to play in slowly surface. But here indoor, you never know what's happen. Puerta also, I lose in semifinal also in Roland Garros also on clay court. Here we play first time in hard court, in indoor, it's something maybe different.
Q. Everybody besides you seems to be getting hurt. Everybody is saying the calendar, the season, is too long, there are too many tournaments. You've played more tournaments than anybody. At this time of the year, you just appear to be getting stronger and stronger. Do you think there are too many tournaments? Do you think there is too much tennis played?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't think so is so many tournaments because sometimes you get calendar like you get 30 tournaments in a year, normal, maximum. But okay, it's plus if you play matches like Davis Cup. Then if you like winning some matches, like every week if you play and you play quarterfinals, semifinal, it's lot of matches. If I feeling something injury, feeling something, you're tired, I maybe retire from some tournament, take rest for one week and take preparation for next week. But is normal tournament. Is not like too much. Like calendar go for the 30 tournament. If you want, you can play all 30. Or if you want, like Agassi, play only 12.
Q. So do you feel tired? Do you feel weary at this time of the year? You don't show it, if you do. Are you a little bit fatigued now, and looking forward to a rest?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You think about after Shanghai for the next preparation for next year. It's -- yeah, okay, it's not some -- yeah, you have not so many time to do rest because should be like after Paris, like everybody from tennis player get like maybe two weeks' rest and then already start the end of November, like maybe 20th. Like some guys start already early to preparation for the next season. I start maybe already from maybe middle of December. I try after the Shanghai two weeks also take rest and then already in December preparation for next season.
Q. But to go back to my question, do you feel tired? Are there parts of your body that hurt at the moment?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't know how is -- I don't think so about. Like already I feel tired, after my like this season, too many matches to play. But we still to play to now and this week. I hope already we finish this week and already take rest.
Q. Why do you think Russians play more? Kafelnikov used to play an enormous amount of matches, doubles and singles. Is it just something in your mindset, something in the way you're brought up, to work harder?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't know. If you feeling great, if you fit, if you have no injury, why not? If like I am young, like why I can't play in many tournament? I like to play every week because my mentally. Like if I don't play so many tournament, maybe my confidence are losing. I try to play fast every week. I think my confidence better and better. I like try to preparation for next week better and next week and play better and better. Like, I don't know, like if I losing first round in one tournament, then for the next tournament preparation play maybe quarterfinal, semifinal.
http://www.masters-cup.com/en/interviews/pdf/davydenko1.pdf
6-4, 6-2
An interview with: NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English or Chinese, please.
Q. Congratulations for winning your first Round Robin match. Now that we know that Rafael Nadal has withdrawn and Andre Agassi pulled out after this match, how do you look forward to your future in this tournament?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't know like about futures because like what today was, you know, surprising. Agassi was starting play well but then in the second set I think he find some injury because he never play -- I already play two times against him. He was like started in the first set, he finish the same. But after the first set I think he get some problem somewhere and he don't want to play anymore and just he just try to play fast and like losing match. But what my futures about, I get only two matches more. It's Puerta and Gaudio. Both guy -- okay, for me, I think Gaudio is more difficult because I lose already five times, but in clay court. And for me, Puerta also clay court, and also like to play in slowly surface. But here indoor, you never know what's happen. Puerta also, I lose in semifinal also in Roland Garros also on clay court. Here we play first time in hard court, in indoor, it's something maybe different.
Q. Everybody besides you seems to be getting hurt. Everybody is saying the calendar, the season, is too long, there are too many tournaments. You've played more tournaments than anybody. At this time of the year, you just appear to be getting stronger and stronger. Do you think there are too many tournaments? Do you think there is too much tennis played?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't think so is so many tournaments because sometimes you get calendar like you get 30 tournaments in a year, normal, maximum. But okay, it's plus if you play matches like Davis Cup. Then if you like winning some matches, like every week if you play and you play quarterfinals, semifinal, it's lot of matches. If I feeling something injury, feeling something, you're tired, I maybe retire from some tournament, take rest for one week and take preparation for next week. But is normal tournament. Is not like too much. Like calendar go for the 30 tournament. If you want, you can play all 30. Or if you want, like Agassi, play only 12.
Q. So do you feel tired? Do you feel weary at this time of the year? You don't show it, if you do. Are you a little bit fatigued now, and looking forward to a rest?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: You think about after Shanghai for the next preparation for next year. It's -- yeah, okay, it's not some -- yeah, you have not so many time to do rest because should be like after Paris, like everybody from tennis player get like maybe two weeks' rest and then already start the end of November, like maybe 20th. Like some guys start already early to preparation for the next season. I start maybe already from maybe middle of December. I try after the Shanghai two weeks also take rest and then already in December preparation for next season.
Q. But to go back to my question, do you feel tired? Are there parts of your body that hurt at the moment?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't know how is -- I don't think so about. Like already I feel tired, after my like this season, too many matches to play. But we still to play to now and this week. I hope already we finish this week and already take rest.
Q. Why do you think Russians play more? Kafelnikov used to play an enormous amount of matches, doubles and singles. Is it just something in your mindset, something in the way you're brought up, to work harder?
NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO: I don't know. If you feeling great, if you fit, if you have no injury, why not? If like I am young, like why I can't play in many tournament? I like to play every week because my mentally. Like if I don't play so many tournament, maybe my confidence are losing. I try to play fast every week. I think my confidence better and better. I like try to preparation for next week better and next week and play better and better. Like, I don't know, like if I losing first round in one tournament, then for the next tournament preparation play maybe quarterfinal, semifinal.
http://www.masters-cup.com/en/interviews/pdf/davydenko1.pdf
Some info about Kolya's Interviews
more in now, coz today i am busy going to watch the matches, time too limited, below is about kolya sayings on interview yesterday
*-* he spoke of his bro, all ppl can read out from his words that he loves his bro so so much, that kind of feeling we Chinese could understand at once
*-*when asked of tennis guys from Russia, kolya said that Marat owns so much talent in the world maybe still the no.1, he feels sorry about his injury this year and he believed that with good recovery, Marat will back soon and brings the world surprise again but at the same time kolya points out wins need more real matches on court, i think he is so right
*-*when to answer his good results this year, kolya said that it is really a big present to him entering TMC, there are over 1,000 players fighting for only eight places every year so he is proud of himself, he is confident about his next year unless get more pain from injury
*-*when some reporters need his reaction to match vs Agassi, kolya said he knew more more ppl supporting Agassi not to cheer for him, but his attitude is so nice, he said that he has been used to fighting with the hot backgroud air not prepared for him, he got the good experience from RG this year, as if he was playing not only with a guy but with all the crowds so he wouldnt easily be disturbed by our Chinese fans who tend to Agassi obviously
*-*when some silly journalist mistook kolya for Ljubicic, he asked of some questions on Croatia and Italy, Kolya is so gentle, he just smiled then said ''sorry, guy, i am Mr. Davydenko, not Ljubicic'' which impressed the others there but they thought it is mostly kolya's fault, you know, the name card not shown to the guys, instead, it was in kolya's hands, he was playing with it maybe he felt a bit dull
*-* he spoke of his bro, all ppl can read out from his words that he loves his bro so so much, that kind of feeling we Chinese could understand at once
*-*when asked of tennis guys from Russia, kolya said that Marat owns so much talent in the world maybe still the no.1, he feels sorry about his injury this year and he believed that with good recovery, Marat will back soon and brings the world surprise again but at the same time kolya points out wins need more real matches on court, i think he is so right
*-*when to answer his good results this year, kolya said that it is really a big present to him entering TMC, there are over 1,000 players fighting for only eight places every year so he is proud of himself, he is confident about his next year unless get more pain from injury
*-*when some reporters need his reaction to match vs Agassi, kolya said he knew more more ppl supporting Agassi not to cheer for him, but his attitude is so nice, he said that he has been used to fighting with the hot backgroud air not prepared for him, he got the good experience from RG this year, as if he was playing not only with a guy but with all the crowds so he wouldnt easily be disturbed by our Chinese fans who tend to Agassi obviously
*-*when some silly journalist mistook kolya for Ljubicic, he asked of some questions on Croatia and Italy, Kolya is so gentle, he just smiled then said ''sorry, guy, i am Mr. Davydenko, not Ljubicic'' which impressed the others there but they thought it is mostly kolya's fault, you know, the name card not shown to the guys, instead, it was in kolya's hands, he was playing with it maybe he felt a bit dull
Opening Ceremony recount
i watched the opening ceremony just now, the players wearing our Chinese Tang dress look very cute with a bit funny, you know, they just seem ready to attend a party in parties, foreigners with Chinese Tang are very popular and cute
when our dear kolya walking on the red-carpet, our tv-len just keen on Roger so kolya suddenly appeared out of tv screen my mummy at the first time shouted out ''woo'', yes, yes, our kolya seems very handsome, more handsome than him in sports shirt on court, in good spirit, eyes brightening, my mummy said that kolya needs to own a special fashion expert coz he could be cuter, but i told her kolya is so low-key
anyway, kolya at least on the top 3 today shown on the ceremony for his outlooking
during the ceremony inside, Roger talked so much with our kolya, they were so happy our kolya very kind to have some talk with Coria
when our dear kolya walking on the red-carpet, our tv-len just keen on Roger so kolya suddenly appeared out of tv screen my mummy at the first time shouted out ''woo'', yes, yes, our kolya seems very handsome, more handsome than him in sports shirt on court, in good spirit, eyes brightening, my mummy said that kolya needs to own a special fashion expert coz he could be cuter, but i told her kolya is so low-key
anyway, kolya at least on the top 3 today shown on the ceremony for his outlooking
during the ceremony inside, Roger talked so much with our kolya, they were so happy our kolya very kind to have some talk with Coria
A friend of Tosee's in Shanghai!
OK, here is what A friend of Tosee's (Im not sure what her name is, I wasn't told) Said about Kolya and asking for his autograph!:
there are some new reports from my girl today
this morning, it is said that Marat would hold a meeting with fans so she went there by taxi but in fact it was a commercial show by Adidas, so she with many other girls waiting outside the Hilton Hotel, omg, so long in wind, these days it is cold in Shanghai then Marat out but into taxi at once so they had to wait for his back
there were many players out then, she knows me enjoy Kolya so much she asked one guy whether the player inside photoing and signing is Davydenko they said yes, she moved closer to the door, coz the players seemed to go to court by bus when kolya finished sthg inside, my girl rushed to him at once she was the first one kolya a bit hesitated, of course she didnt know why then signned for her at once, quickly many other girls around him to ask for more which turned to mess immediately, my girl looked around and found a girl standing by the bus-door, omg, i was right last night on court, Ira in Shanghai she said Ira has a good body, very beautiful, peaceful, waiting there for kolya, our workers held kolya out of the girls then he left with Ira
my girl said though just some seconds, she felt they both have a good relationship, a peaceful love stream between them which made her a bit moved, you know, how she felt about Marat, a silly guy who is unlucky not to own a real girl for him
there are some new reports from my girl today
this morning, it is said that Marat would hold a meeting with fans so she went there by taxi but in fact it was a commercial show by Adidas, so she with many other girls waiting outside the Hilton Hotel, omg, so long in wind, these days it is cold in Shanghai then Marat out but into taxi at once so they had to wait for his back
there were many players out then, she knows me enjoy Kolya so much she asked one guy whether the player inside photoing and signing is Davydenko they said yes, she moved closer to the door, coz the players seemed to go to court by bus when kolya finished sthg inside, my girl rushed to him at once she was the first one kolya a bit hesitated, of course she didnt know why then signned for her at once, quickly many other girls around him to ask for more which turned to mess immediately, my girl looked around and found a girl standing by the bus-door, omg, i was right last night on court, Ira in Shanghai she said Ira has a good body, very beautiful, peaceful, waiting there for kolya, our workers held kolya out of the girls then he left with Ira
my girl said though just some seconds, she felt they both have a good relationship, a peaceful love stream between them which made her a bit moved, you know, how she felt about Marat, a silly guy who is unlucky not to own a real girl for him
Monday, November 14, 2005
Tosee's Shanghai Experience!
Kolenka vs. Agassi!
well, my reports start now
-- this afternoon, i first arrived there for doubles match, so pleased with doubles this year at the same time, i tried to persuade my papa to arrange some vip seats for us, i mean, my bros and me
-- there are some players such as Gato out for practice before singles begins, but so pity our dear Kolya not along with so i went for some relax outside and happy to wait for my papa's arrival
-- my parents reached just before Roger got his no.1 award, and they took us all to the vip seats, omg, i knew sthg very nice would happen tonight
-- i sat just behind his chair, i could see kolya so near so clearly you know, i couldnt believe my eyes in fact, a bit like in dream
-- he played very well, though with many ues but you know which is his strategy, my eyes followed his racquet and his movement so felt tired when finished he so wanted to win, a bit nervous, talked sthg with himself, omg, not in english at all he was calm every game back to his chair, i mean, back in front of me
-- tonight, me happy also for our Chinese cheering for our kolya, Agassi is welcomed no doubt, but but our kolya got much also which surprised me and pleased me at the same time, how lucky i was there as if i was sharing the nice air with our kolya
-- my bros parted into 2, one for Agassi, the other for Kolya with me, and we did a oral bet to serve milk tea no matter which part losing if you were watching the live match, maybe you could hear some cheering of ''kolya'' from some guys, it is my bros when some of them shouted out ''Andre, come on'' others asked me how to cheer for kolya in return, i told them, so my bro with his largest voice to shout ''kolya'', i was too happy when his name is shouted into the air, aroud us there are many ppl happily watching us my papa shook his head for our crazy actions while my mummy encouraged us to do that
-- after his win, so many girls run for him to ask for sign, of course i got ready for it maybe he was too hurried with many girls around, he signed not clear at least i coudnt tell it out and he accepted my gift and and gave me his smiles, omg, his eyes are so bright, god bless me a nice impression to him, for myself, i think i was polite and lady enough
-- his bro is cute but slim, oh, Kolya too slim when i was just next to him, too slim, i wish he could eat more to become stronger and i noticed a girl holding a camera photoing for him all the time, at my first glance, i caught it is Ira though i am not very sure
-- you know, what a big surprise god brings me tonight again Marat came to watch the match i dont know how to express my feeling when i got Kolya and Marat at the same time and at the same place
well, my reports start now
-- this afternoon, i first arrived there for doubles match, so pleased with doubles this year at the same time, i tried to persuade my papa to arrange some vip seats for us, i mean, my bros and me
-- there are some players such as Gato out for practice before singles begins, but so pity our dear Kolya not along with so i went for some relax outside and happy to wait for my papa's arrival
-- my parents reached just before Roger got his no.1 award, and they took us all to the vip seats, omg, i knew sthg very nice would happen tonight
-- i sat just behind his chair, i could see kolya so near so clearly you know, i couldnt believe my eyes in fact, a bit like in dream
-- he played very well, though with many ues but you know which is his strategy, my eyes followed his racquet and his movement so felt tired when finished he so wanted to win, a bit nervous, talked sthg with himself, omg, not in english at all he was calm every game back to his chair, i mean, back in front of me
-- tonight, me happy also for our Chinese cheering for our kolya, Agassi is welcomed no doubt, but but our kolya got much also which surprised me and pleased me at the same time, how lucky i was there as if i was sharing the nice air with our kolya
-- my bros parted into 2, one for Agassi, the other for Kolya with me, and we did a oral bet to serve milk tea no matter which part losing if you were watching the live match, maybe you could hear some cheering of ''kolya'' from some guys, it is my bros when some of them shouted out ''Andre, come on'' others asked me how to cheer for kolya in return, i told them, so my bro with his largest voice to shout ''kolya'', i was too happy when his name is shouted into the air, aroud us there are many ppl happily watching us my papa shook his head for our crazy actions while my mummy encouraged us to do that
-- after his win, so many girls run for him to ask for sign, of course i got ready for it maybe he was too hurried with many girls around, he signed not clear at least i coudnt tell it out and he accepted my gift and and gave me his smiles, omg, his eyes are so bright, god bless me a nice impression to him, for myself, i think i was polite and lady enough
-- his bro is cute but slim, oh, Kolya too slim when i was just next to him, too slim, i wish he could eat more to become stronger and i noticed a girl holding a camera photoing for him all the time, at my first glance, i caught it is Ira though i am not very sure
-- you know, what a big surprise god brings me tonight again Marat came to watch the match i dont know how to express my feeling when i got Kolya and Marat at the same time and at the same place
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Davydenko crushes Rusedski to near Shanghai slot
Davydenko crushes Rusedski to near Shanghai slot
PARIS, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Russia's Nikolay Davydenko stayed on course for a berth at the year-end Masters Cup when he crushed former champion Greg Rusedski 6-2 6-2 in the second round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday.
Davydenko, seeded third, needed only 59 minutes to move past Rusedski, who won the indoor tournament in 1998 and would have made sure of ending the season as the British number one ahead of Tim Henman had he won.
"I really felt I couldn't get through him at all today and I didn't feel like I played as well as I could," said Rusedski, who will have one last chance to overtake Henman when he plays a second-tier challenger tournament in Ukraine.
A semi-finalist at this year's French Open, Davydenko sits in seventh place in the ATP Champions race and will qualify for the eight-strong season finale from Nov. 13 in Shanghai if he can hold on to that spot.
The 32-year-old Rusedski, who scored a memorable win over Pete Sampras in the final here seven years ago, was never in contention against Davydenko.
The Russian all rounder remained in control until hitting a forehand winner on the first match point.
Rusedski said he would definitely play a full year in 2006 but would start the season a few weeks late because his wife, Lucy, is expecting their first child.
"There's been a lot of positives this year," he said. "The body has been very good to me. Physically, I feel good. I feel I can get stronger over the next few months, too".
Second seed Guillermo Coria had earlier disappeared from the lucrative event, brushed aside 6-4 6-2 by Czech Tomas Berdych.
Argentine Coria, who would have secured a Masters Cup berth with a victory, looked clumsy and made a string of unforced errors.
Berdych, who had beaten fellow Czech Jiri Novak in the first round, capitalised on his opponent's mistakes and earned three match points when Coria netted a backhand.
Coria saved the first two with service winners but, on the third, Berdych fired a backhand pass down the line to seal victory in just over an hour.
Coria can still win one of the two remaining tickets to Shanghai but his fate depends on how the other eight contenders fare in Paris.
Updated on Tuesday, Nov 1, 2005 10:24 am ES
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-paris&prov=reuters&type=lgns
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Davydenko cruises into second round of Open de Moselle
Davydenko cruises into second round of Open de Moselle
October 3, 2005
METZ, France (Ticker) - Nikolay Davydenko has taken the first step toward putting Russia's semifinal loss to Croatia in the Davis Cup behind him.
The top-seeded Davydenko routed Richard Mello of Brazil, 6-3, 6-1, in Monday's first round of the $390,000 Open de Moselle.
Davydenko, who is seeking his second title of the season and first since May, dominated in his first career meeting with Mello to improve his singles mark to 46-24 this season.
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It was Davydenko's first match since losing in straight sets to Ivan Ljubicic as Russia lost its tie with Croatia, 3-2.
Ljubicic, who also won his singles match against Mikhail Youzhny before pairing with Mario Ancic to win the pivotal doubles match, is the third seed here and also advanced to the second round with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 triumph over Argentine Jose Acasuso.
Davydenko and Ljubicic could meet in the quarterfinals of this hardcourt event.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=metztennis&prov=st&type=lgns
October 3, 2005
METZ, France (Ticker) - Nikolay Davydenko has taken the first step toward putting Russia's semifinal loss to Croatia in the Davis Cup behind him.
The top-seeded Davydenko routed Richard Mello of Brazil, 6-3, 6-1, in Monday's first round of the $390,000 Open de Moselle.
Davydenko, who is seeking his second title of the season and first since May, dominated in his first career meeting with Mello to improve his singles mark to 46-24 this season.
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It was Davydenko's first match since losing in straight sets to Ivan Ljubicic as Russia lost its tie with Croatia, 3-2.
Ljubicic, who also won his singles match against Mikhail Youzhny before pairing with Mario Ancic to win the pivotal doubles match, is the third seed here and also advanced to the second round with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 triumph over Argentine Jose Acasuso.
Davydenko and Ljubicic could meet in the quarterfinals of this hardcourt event.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=metztennis&prov=st&type=lgns
Friday, September 23, 2005
Davydenko poses Croatia threat
Davydenko poses Croatia threat
Croatia stand tantalisingly close to their first Davis Cup final this week, hosting a Russia team weakened by the absence of Marat Safin. Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic will be favourites to steer Croatia into the but in Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny Russia still present a formidable hurdle.
World number seven Davydenko has never lost a Tour match to either Ancic or Ljubicic, while Youzhny became a national hero in 2002 when he clawed back a two-set deficit against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu to land Russia a first title.
Russia's Shamil Tarpischev also has the incentive of becoming the first captain to land the Fed Cup and Davis Cup in the same year following the women's triumph over France last week.
Local boy Ancic, however, says form and statistics will count for nothing when the tie gets under way on Friday.
"I am very well prepared, I'm in good physical shape," Ancic told reporters in the Gripe Sports Hall, just a short stroll from the family home. "There will be a great atmosphere, it will be a great feeling and we don't want to waste it."
Ljubicic, the team's most experienced player, added: "All the singles will be very close. Davydenko is a dangerous player but the surface is not his best, it will suit Youzhny more. Whatever, the tie won't be decided before Sunday."
The 21-year-old Ancic, who was nurtured as a junior by Croatian sporting icon and fellow Split resident, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, is under pressure after defeats by Andy Roddick and Andrei Pavel in the Davis Cup victories over the U.S. and Romania this year.
"I lost the opening singles here against Romania in five sets, but I will try to use that experience to my benefit," said Ancic, who partnered Ljubicic to crucial doubles victories in both matches. "I just hope I get the win on Friday."
French Open semi-finalist Davydenko stirred things up when he said Croatia could benefit from home-based line judges.
"(Croatia's) main advantage will be the line officials," Davydenko told reporters, referring to a defeat by Ancic in a lower-tier tournament in Zagreb several years ago when he believed he "was robbed" by poor line calls.
BIG FACTORS
"The other big factors for them will be the home crowd and the fast surface."
Pilic is unlikely to call upon the giant serving Ivo Karlovic, unless either Ancic or Ljubicic suffer an injury or fatigue, although he playfully offered his thoughts on Russia's options.
"They are definitely weaker without Safin," he said, "and I don't expect Youzhny to play all three matches because he has trouble with his knee. I'm not sure he'll play the doubles."
Youzhny, who laughed off suggestions he had a bad knee, is a regular doubles player for Russia, usually with Safin. Tarpischev is likely to partner him with Igor Andreev on Saturday, although he knows if Russia are to win, they will probably have to capture three of the four singles rubbers.
"It will be hard without Safin but we will deal with what we have," he said. "Little things will prove decisive."
Croatia stand tantalisingly close to their first Davis Cup final this week, hosting a Russia team weakened by the absence of Marat Safin. Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic will be favourites to steer Croatia into the but in Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny Russia still present a formidable hurdle.
World number seven Davydenko has never lost a Tour match to either Ancic or Ljubicic, while Youzhny became a national hero in 2002 when he clawed back a two-set deficit against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu to land Russia a first title.
Russia's Shamil Tarpischev also has the incentive of becoming the first captain to land the Fed Cup and Davis Cup in the same year following the women's triumph over France last week.
Local boy Ancic, however, says form and statistics will count for nothing when the tie gets under way on Friday.
"I am very well prepared, I'm in good physical shape," Ancic told reporters in the Gripe Sports Hall, just a short stroll from the family home. "There will be a great atmosphere, it will be a great feeling and we don't want to waste it."
Ljubicic, the team's most experienced player, added: "All the singles will be very close. Davydenko is a dangerous player but the surface is not his best, it will suit Youzhny more. Whatever, the tie won't be decided before Sunday."
The 21-year-old Ancic, who was nurtured as a junior by Croatian sporting icon and fellow Split resident, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, is under pressure after defeats by Andy Roddick and Andrei Pavel in the Davis Cup victories over the U.S. and Romania this year.
"I lost the opening singles here against Romania in five sets, but I will try to use that experience to my benefit," said Ancic, who partnered Ljubicic to crucial doubles victories in both matches. "I just hope I get the win on Friday."
French Open semi-finalist Davydenko stirred things up when he said Croatia could benefit from home-based line judges.
"(Croatia's) main advantage will be the line officials," Davydenko told reporters, referring to a defeat by Ancic in a lower-tier tournament in Zagreb several years ago when he believed he "was robbed" by poor line calls.
BIG FACTORS
"The other big factors for them will be the home crowd and the fast surface."
Pilic is unlikely to call upon the giant serving Ivo Karlovic, unless either Ancic or Ljubicic suffer an injury or fatigue, although he playfully offered his thoughts on Russia's options.
"They are definitely weaker without Safin," he said, "and I don't expect Youzhny to play all three matches because he has trouble with his knee. I'm not sure he'll play the doubles."
Youzhny, who laughed off suggestions he had a bad knee, is a regular doubles player for Russia, usually with Safin. Tarpischev is likely to partner him with Igor Andreev on Saturday, although he knows if Russia are to win, they will probably have to capture three of the four singles rubbers.
"It will be hard without Safin but we will deal with what we have," he said. "Little things will prove decisive."
Davydenko poses Croatia threat
Davydenko poses Croatia threat
Croatia stand tantalisingly close to their first Davis Cup final this week, hosting a Russia team weakened by the absence of Marat Safin. Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic will be favourites to steer Croatia into the but in Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny Russia still present a formidable hurdle.
World number seven Davydenko has never lost a Tour match to either Ancic or Ljubicic, while Youzhny became a national hero in 2002 when he clawed back a two-set deficit against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu to land Russia a first title.
Russia's Shamil Tarpischev also has the incentive of becoming the first captain to land the Fed Cup and Davis Cup in the same year following the women's triumph over France last week.
Local boy Ancic, however, says form and statistics will count for nothing when the tie gets under way on Friday.
"I am very well prepared, I'm in good physical shape," Ancic told reporters in the Gripe Sports Hall, just a short stroll from the family home. "There will be a great atmosphere, it will be a great feeling and we don't want to waste it."
Ljubicic, the team's most experienced player, added: "All the singles will be very close. Davydenko is a dangerous player but the surface is not his best, it will suit Youzhny more. Whatever, the tie won't be decided before Sunday."
The 21-year-old Ancic, who was nurtured as a junior by Croatian sporting icon and fellow Split resident, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, is under pressure after defeats by Andy Roddick and Andrei Pavel in the Davis Cup victories over the U.S. and Romania this year.
"I lost the opening singles here against Romania in five sets, but I will try to use that experience to my benefit," said Ancic, who partnered Ljubicic to crucial doubles victories in both matches. "I just hope I get the win on Friday."
French Open semi-finalist Davydenko stirred things up when he said Croatia could benefit from home-based line judges.
"(Croatia's) main advantage will be the line officials," Davydenko told reporters, referring to a defeat by Ancic in a lower-tier tournament in Zagreb several years ago when he believed he "was robbed" by poor line calls.
BIG FACTORS
"The other big factors for them will be the home crowd and the fast surface."
Pilic is unlikely to call upon the giant serving Ivo Karlovic, unless either Ancic or Ljubicic suffer an injury or fatigue, although he playfully offered his thoughts on Russia's options.
"They are definitely weaker without Safin," he said, "and I don't expect Youzhny to play all three matches because he has trouble with his knee. I'm not sure he'll play the doubles."
Youzhny, who laughed off suggestions he had a bad knee, is a regular doubles player for Russia, usually with Safin. Tarpischev is likely to partner him with Igor Andreev on Saturday, although he knows if Russia are to win, they will probably have to capture three of the four singles rubbers.
"It will be hard without Safin but we will deal with what we have," he said. "Little things will prove decisive."
Croatia stand tantalisingly close to their first Davis Cup final this week, hosting a Russia team weakened by the absence of Marat Safin. Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic will be favourites to steer Croatia into the but in Nikolay Davydenko and Mikhail Youzhny Russia still present a formidable hurdle.
World number seven Davydenko has never lost a Tour match to either Ancic or Ljubicic, while Youzhny became a national hero in 2002 when he clawed back a two-set deficit against Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu to land Russia a first title.
Russia's Shamil Tarpischev also has the incentive of becoming the first captain to land the Fed Cup and Davis Cup in the same year following the women's triumph over France last week.
Local boy Ancic, however, says form and statistics will count for nothing when the tie gets under way on Friday.
"I am very well prepared, I'm in good physical shape," Ancic told reporters in the Gripe Sports Hall, just a short stroll from the family home. "There will be a great atmosphere, it will be a great feeling and we don't want to waste it."
Ljubicic, the team's most experienced player, added: "All the singles will be very close. Davydenko is a dangerous player but the surface is not his best, it will suit Youzhny more. Whatever, the tie won't be decided before Sunday."
The 21-year-old Ancic, who was nurtured as a junior by Croatian sporting icon and fellow Split resident, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, is under pressure after defeats by Andy Roddick and Andrei Pavel in the Davis Cup victories over the U.S. and Romania this year.
"I lost the opening singles here against Romania in five sets, but I will try to use that experience to my benefit," said Ancic, who partnered Ljubicic to crucial doubles victories in both matches. "I just hope I get the win on Friday."
French Open semi-finalist Davydenko stirred things up when he said Croatia could benefit from home-based line judges.
"(Croatia's) main advantage will be the line officials," Davydenko told reporters, referring to a defeat by Ancic in a lower-tier tournament in Zagreb several years ago when he believed he "was robbed" by poor line calls.
BIG FACTORS
"The other big factors for them will be the home crowd and the fast surface."
Pilic is unlikely to call upon the giant serving Ivo Karlovic, unless either Ancic or Ljubicic suffer an injury or fatigue, although he playfully offered his thoughts on Russia's options.
"They are definitely weaker without Safin," he said, "and I don't expect Youzhny to play all three matches because he has trouble with his knee. I'm not sure he'll play the doubles."
Youzhny, who laughed off suggestions he had a bad knee, is a regular doubles player for Russia, usually with Safin. Tarpischev is likely to partner him with Igor Andreev on Saturday, although he knows if Russia are to win, they will probably have to capture three of the four singles rubbers.
"It will be hard without Safin but we will deal with what we have," he said. "Little things will prove decisive."
Davydenko gives Russia lead in semifinal
Davydenko gives Russia lead in semifinal
Nikolay Davydenko has given Russia the first point of the weekend in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinal tie between his nation and Croatia.
In front of a wildly enthusiastic crowd, Davydenko survived a mid-match problem before coming back to beat Mario Ancic and give Russia the early lead. After three hours and 30 minutes of sometimes superb tennis that was blended in with some ordinary points, Davydenko scored a 75 64 57 64 result over Ancic.
Ancic opened the first rubber and dropped the first two points before holding serve from break point down. That first game seemed to signal what Davydenko plan was. He was going to direct his returns into the body and jam Ancic. The Russian was holding serve more comfortably as the set progressed but in the tenth game Ancic had a chance at 0-30. He could not keep the pressure up and Davydenko held and struck in the next game breaking Ancic who netted a forehand volley.
The Russian then played a near perfect game to hold for the set with a fantastic forehand winner.
The vibrancy at the Sportski Centar Gripe (pron: Greepay) was stunning as flags were waved and fans applauded. The noise generated by the 4,500 fans was deafening as a combination of cheering, drums banging and plastic inflatable cheer sticks were whacked against one another, created an atmosphere that Davis Cup tennis can only generate.
Davydenko opened a 3-1 lead in the second set. Ancic forged back to level at 3-3 when Davydenko made a rare forehand error. He then broke Ancic in the next game to get the upper hand once more. The Russian’s forehand continued to find its mark as Ancic started to become frustrated. He was not being able to make any inroads.
Davydenko has enjoyed a tremendous year on the circuit and that form was more than evident in this first match.
He broke Ancic in the first game of the third set and just kept consolidating his advantage. With that break in hand Davydenko served for the match at 5-4.
Incredibly the crowd added to their noise levels and equally incredibly Ancic rallied and broke Davydenko to square the set. He then held serve and with the noise at fever pitch, Ancic all but brought the house down when he stunned Davydenko with yet another break to win the third set.
Davydenko said he was a bit tired and his concentration slipped when he failed to serve out the match in the third set. He said Ancic surprised him by staying back as well. But he said he felt very comfortable with his forehand. It didn’t let him down because he easily came up with winners that went either cross court or down the line.
“I was good with my control from the baseline and I returned very well,” said Davydenko. “It didn’t matter where he was serving to me, everything worked and I returned it everywhere. I had a feeling that I could do anything.”
For the fourth consecutive time Ancic opened the set and by holding serve he had won four consecutive games. However in the fifth game Davydenko broke serve. The Russian survived a break point in the next game even with the crowd going crazy for the local boy. Davydenko consolidated and served for the match again at 5-4. It seemed that Ancic was going to pull a rabbit out of a hat once more when he had 0-30 but Davydenko rallied for the last four points of the match.
“I played a really solid match but I came across an opponent today who just played better especially the first two sets,” said Ancic. “I had small chances and I felt good on them but he came out with some great shots. The only chance I really got was when he was serving for the match in the third and he got tight. After that I was playing really good to win the set. But obviously he played better.”
Davydenko was pouncing on Ancic’s volleys, taking them early and hitting them back so hard. In that aspect of the match the Croat admitted that he was taken by surprise but tactically he still thought he played a good match.
“I was going in a lot and trying to break his rhythm but he was just coming up with better and better shots.
The second rubber has Ivan Ljubicic playing Mikhail Youzhny.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=13401
Nikolay Davydenko has given Russia the first point of the weekend in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinal tie between his nation and Croatia.
In front of a wildly enthusiastic crowd, Davydenko survived a mid-match problem before coming back to beat Mario Ancic and give Russia the early lead. After three hours and 30 minutes of sometimes superb tennis that was blended in with some ordinary points, Davydenko scored a 75 64 57 64 result over Ancic.
Ancic opened the first rubber and dropped the first two points before holding serve from break point down. That first game seemed to signal what Davydenko plan was. He was going to direct his returns into the body and jam Ancic. The Russian was holding serve more comfortably as the set progressed but in the tenth game Ancic had a chance at 0-30. He could not keep the pressure up and Davydenko held and struck in the next game breaking Ancic who netted a forehand volley.
The Russian then played a near perfect game to hold for the set with a fantastic forehand winner.
The vibrancy at the Sportski Centar Gripe (pron: Greepay) was stunning as flags were waved and fans applauded. The noise generated by the 4,500 fans was deafening as a combination of cheering, drums banging and plastic inflatable cheer sticks were whacked against one another, created an atmosphere that Davis Cup tennis can only generate.
Davydenko opened a 3-1 lead in the second set. Ancic forged back to level at 3-3 when Davydenko made a rare forehand error. He then broke Ancic in the next game to get the upper hand once more. The Russian’s forehand continued to find its mark as Ancic started to become frustrated. He was not being able to make any inroads.
Davydenko has enjoyed a tremendous year on the circuit and that form was more than evident in this first match.
He broke Ancic in the first game of the third set and just kept consolidating his advantage. With that break in hand Davydenko served for the match at 5-4.
Incredibly the crowd added to their noise levels and equally incredibly Ancic rallied and broke Davydenko to square the set. He then held serve and with the noise at fever pitch, Ancic all but brought the house down when he stunned Davydenko with yet another break to win the third set.
Davydenko said he was a bit tired and his concentration slipped when he failed to serve out the match in the third set. He said Ancic surprised him by staying back as well. But he said he felt very comfortable with his forehand. It didn’t let him down because he easily came up with winners that went either cross court or down the line.
“I was good with my control from the baseline and I returned very well,” said Davydenko. “It didn’t matter where he was serving to me, everything worked and I returned it everywhere. I had a feeling that I could do anything.”
For the fourth consecutive time Ancic opened the set and by holding serve he had won four consecutive games. However in the fifth game Davydenko broke serve. The Russian survived a break point in the next game even with the crowd going crazy for the local boy. Davydenko consolidated and served for the match again at 5-4. It seemed that Ancic was going to pull a rabbit out of a hat once more when he had 0-30 but Davydenko rallied for the last four points of the match.
“I played a really solid match but I came across an opponent today who just played better especially the first two sets,” said Ancic. “I had small chances and I felt good on them but he came out with some great shots. The only chance I really got was when he was serving for the match in the third and he got tight. After that I was playing really good to win the set. But obviously he played better.”
Davydenko was pouncing on Ancic’s volleys, taking them early and hitting them back so hard. In that aspect of the match the Croat admitted that he was taken by surprise but tactically he still thought he played a good match.
“I was going in a lot and trying to break his rhythm but he was just coming up with better and better shots.
The second rubber has Ivan Ljubicic playing Mikhail Youzhny.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=13401
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Ancic to face Davydenko first in Split
Ancic to face Davydenko first in Split
The draw for the Croatia v Russia Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Semifinal tie has been made and is as follows:
Mario Ancic (CRO) v Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
Mario Ancic/Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) v Mikhail Youzhny/Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)
Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) v Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Mario Ancic (CRO) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
The stunningly beautiful and historic city of Split, which has the Mosor Kozjak Mountains as a backdrop with the city spilling towards the pristine aqua coloured waters of the Adriatic Sea, is Croatia’s second largest city. It is a city that is celebrating its 1700th anniversary this year and is regarded as the premier sports centre in Croatia.
It’s no wonder when one considers the fact that they have a good football team, a good basketball team and it is the birthplace of four of the nation’s finest tennis players - Zeljko Franulovic, Niki Pilic, Mario Ancic and the country’s best ever player, 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic. In fact the four tennis players were born and raised within a couple of streets from one another and developed their tennis at the 50-year-old Tennis Club of Split.
For the second round in succession Split is hosting a Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie. In July Croatia defeated Romania in the quarterfinals and this weekend Pilic will captain Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic against Russia at the Gripe Sports Centre, an indoor facility that will seat 4,500 fans. The tie will be played on a quick carpet surface that both teams are satisfied with.
The draw for the semifinal was done in the stadium’s VIP area and the first match of the weekend has Mario Ancic playing Nikolay Davydenko, followed by Ivan Ljubicic against Mikhail Youzhny. The doubles on Saturday will see Ancic and Ljubicic team up against Youzhny and Dimitry Tursunov. The reverse singles will have Ljubicic against Davydenko first with the semifinal being closed out by Ancic and Youzhny.
“I feel very good. The last tie against Romania I played first match as well and I know what to expect. I’m ready and I think I did my best preparation I could, and from my point of view I have done everything I could,” said Ancic.
“It’s hard playing three days running but this is Davis Cup. I have done a good preparation physically and I am going into this feeling confident. The Russian team is really strong and it will be a battle out there.
“The first match will be really important because both teams are going to try to play good from the first match. Nikolay has had a very good year - he is a top ten player. It is always a challenge to play especially in front of a home crowd, but I have been playing good the last couple of weeks and I will try to take this good from in to the match. It will be extremely hard but I hope to have great support from the crowd.”
The Croatian captain Niki Pilic explained that this was a very difficult tie for both teams. He believes that every match is “pretty open”. He hopes and expects his players to play with inspiration.
Davydenko says he is very happy to be playing the first match. He likes the fact that he knows his starting time will be 1pm and not have the uncertainty of when to be absolutely ready, which would be the case if it was the second match.
“It is five set match so you could be waiting one hour, three hours or five hours. I will play and finish and see the second match with Youzhny,” said Davydenko.
“We are not playing in Moscow, we are playing in Ancic’s home so he will be tough to beat. He plays good on fast court inside so for me it will be important to have concentration like you have in clay court.”
Youzhny said he didn’t think the court was too fast. Before arriving in Split he thought the Croats would have made the court very fast. He said against Belarus last year the court was much faster, in fact that court was like lightening.
“This is Davis Cup and it will be tough to play Croatia because whoever is home has the advantage, but we have chances to beat them, we have a great team,” said Youzhny. “We haven’t lost before the match starts.”
Going into the first day of action, Ancic and Davydenko have met once before on clay in St. Polten, Austria, last year and the Russian won, while Ljubicic won the only match he and Youzhny have played. That too was on clay, last year in Hamburg.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?id=13363
The draw for the Croatia v Russia Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Semifinal tie has been made and is as follows:
Mario Ancic (CRO) v Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
Mario Ancic/Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) v Mikhail Youzhny/Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)
Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) v Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Mario Ancic (CRO) v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
The stunningly beautiful and historic city of Split, which has the Mosor Kozjak Mountains as a backdrop with the city spilling towards the pristine aqua coloured waters of the Adriatic Sea, is Croatia’s second largest city. It is a city that is celebrating its 1700th anniversary this year and is regarded as the premier sports centre in Croatia.
It’s no wonder when one considers the fact that they have a good football team, a good basketball team and it is the birthplace of four of the nation’s finest tennis players - Zeljko Franulovic, Niki Pilic, Mario Ancic and the country’s best ever player, 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic. In fact the four tennis players were born and raised within a couple of streets from one another and developed their tennis at the 50-year-old Tennis Club of Split.
For the second round in succession Split is hosting a Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie. In July Croatia defeated Romania in the quarterfinals and this weekend Pilic will captain Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic against Russia at the Gripe Sports Centre, an indoor facility that will seat 4,500 fans. The tie will be played on a quick carpet surface that both teams are satisfied with.
The draw for the semifinal was done in the stadium’s VIP area and the first match of the weekend has Mario Ancic playing Nikolay Davydenko, followed by Ivan Ljubicic against Mikhail Youzhny. The doubles on Saturday will see Ancic and Ljubicic team up against Youzhny and Dimitry Tursunov. The reverse singles will have Ljubicic against Davydenko first with the semifinal being closed out by Ancic and Youzhny.
“I feel very good. The last tie against Romania I played first match as well and I know what to expect. I’m ready and I think I did my best preparation I could, and from my point of view I have done everything I could,” said Ancic.
“It’s hard playing three days running but this is Davis Cup. I have done a good preparation physically and I am going into this feeling confident. The Russian team is really strong and it will be a battle out there.
“The first match will be really important because both teams are going to try to play good from the first match. Nikolay has had a very good year - he is a top ten player. It is always a challenge to play especially in front of a home crowd, but I have been playing good the last couple of weeks and I will try to take this good from in to the match. It will be extremely hard but I hope to have great support from the crowd.”
The Croatian captain Niki Pilic explained that this was a very difficult tie for both teams. He believes that every match is “pretty open”. He hopes and expects his players to play with inspiration.
Davydenko says he is very happy to be playing the first match. He likes the fact that he knows his starting time will be 1pm and not have the uncertainty of when to be absolutely ready, which would be the case if it was the second match.
“It is five set match so you could be waiting one hour, three hours or five hours. I will play and finish and see the second match with Youzhny,” said Davydenko.
“We are not playing in Moscow, we are playing in Ancic’s home so he will be tough to beat. He plays good on fast court inside so for me it will be important to have concentration like you have in clay court.”
Youzhny said he didn’t think the court was too fast. Before arriving in Split he thought the Croats would have made the court very fast. He said against Belarus last year the court was much faster, in fact that court was like lightening.
“This is Davis Cup and it will be tough to play Croatia because whoever is home has the advantage, but we have chances to beat them, we have a great team,” said Youzhny. “We haven’t lost before the match starts.”
Going into the first day of action, Ancic and Davydenko have met once before on clay in St. Polten, Austria, last year and the Russian won, while Ljubicic won the only match he and Youzhny have played. That too was on clay, last year in Hamburg.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?id=13363
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
The fast-rising Russian star becomes head-to-toe Prince: Official Statement
September 20, 2005
Nikolay Davydenko Signs To Prince
The fast-rising Russian star becomes head-to-toe Prince
"My success on the tour has improved significantly since I switched to O3."
Nikolay Davydenko, the Russian tennis star who won his first ATP title of the year within weeks of first playing with the revolutionary new O3 Tour racquet from Prince, has signed a long-term agreement with the brand.
After making his top 30 debut only last year, Davydenko has become one of the Tour's fastest-rising players. The 24-year-old first played with the O3 Tour at the Hamburg Masters Series in May, where he reached the semifinals. A week later, he won the St. Poelten event in Austria, then went on to make his semifinal debut at the French Open!
Davydenko continued his powerful advance in world tennis in July when he won both his singles rubbers to lead Russia to a sensational 3/2 victory over France in the Davis Cup world group quarter-finals. The following month, he celebrated a career-high ATP ranking of six.
In addition to his racquet deal with Prince, Davydenko will also wear the brand's apparel and footwear.
"Davydenko is one of the most exciting young talents in world tennis and we are delighted that he has chosen to join the Prince team," said Alistair Thorburn, Prince Sports International President.
"The interest in our new O3 technology has been so high that Nikolay wanted to try the O3 Tour in May. Since then, he and the racquet have become inseparable – and the results thereafter speak for themselves," added Thorburn.
Davydenko echoed his delight at joining Prince: "I am very excited to be part of the Prince team. As soon as I tried O3, I knew it was something special for me. The larger sweetspot gives me more power, more feel, and increased accuracy with my shots – and the racquet is so much faster through the air.
"My success on the tour has improved significantly since I switched to O3."
Davydenko becomes the second top ten player to adopt the Prince O3 Tour, joining O3 trailblazer Guillermo Coria, a winner of the International Series event in Umag; a finalist this year in the ATP Masters Series events in Monte Carlo and Rome, and this month’s International Series event in Beijing; and a quarter-finalist in the 2005 US Open.
Prince is the established industry leader in the development and manufacturing of performance racquet sports equipment that is proven at the highest level of competition and used by both professional athletes and aspiring recreational players. Prince Sports, Inc., the parent company, is based in New Jersey, USA, and the International HQ, Prince Sports Europe Ltd, is located in London. Prince Sports, which holds more patents than any other racquet company, revolutionised the game of tennis with its introductions of the "Oversize", "Longbody"®, "Triple Threat"® and "More"® racquets; it reshaped squash with its innovative "Extender"®; "Triple Threat"® and "More"® racquets; and redefined badminton with both "Y-Joint" and "More"® technologies. In 2005, the brand introduces O3, a breakthrough in tennis engineering and technology that increases the sweet spot by up to 54%, enabling players to hit their best shots, more often. Today, Prince Sports has operations on three continents and distribution in over 100 countries.
http://www.princetennis.com/news_events/press/press_release.asp?DocumentID=511
Nikolay Davydenko Signs To Prince
The fast-rising Russian star becomes head-to-toe Prince
"My success on the tour has improved significantly since I switched to O3."
Nikolay Davydenko, the Russian tennis star who won his first ATP title of the year within weeks of first playing with the revolutionary new O3 Tour racquet from Prince, has signed a long-term agreement with the brand.
After making his top 30 debut only last year, Davydenko has become one of the Tour's fastest-rising players. The 24-year-old first played with the O3 Tour at the Hamburg Masters Series in May, where he reached the semifinals. A week later, he won the St. Poelten event in Austria, then went on to make his semifinal debut at the French Open!
Davydenko continued his powerful advance in world tennis in July when he won both his singles rubbers to lead Russia to a sensational 3/2 victory over France in the Davis Cup world group quarter-finals. The following month, he celebrated a career-high ATP ranking of six.
In addition to his racquet deal with Prince, Davydenko will also wear the brand's apparel and footwear.
"Davydenko is one of the most exciting young talents in world tennis and we are delighted that he has chosen to join the Prince team," said Alistair Thorburn, Prince Sports International President.
"The interest in our new O3 technology has been so high that Nikolay wanted to try the O3 Tour in May. Since then, he and the racquet have become inseparable – and the results thereafter speak for themselves," added Thorburn.
Davydenko echoed his delight at joining Prince: "I am very excited to be part of the Prince team. As soon as I tried O3, I knew it was something special for me. The larger sweetspot gives me more power, more feel, and increased accuracy with my shots – and the racquet is so much faster through the air.
"My success on the tour has improved significantly since I switched to O3."
Davydenko becomes the second top ten player to adopt the Prince O3 Tour, joining O3 trailblazer Guillermo Coria, a winner of the International Series event in Umag; a finalist this year in the ATP Masters Series events in Monte Carlo and Rome, and this month’s International Series event in Beijing; and a quarter-finalist in the 2005 US Open.
Prince is the established industry leader in the development and manufacturing of performance racquet sports equipment that is proven at the highest level of competition and used by both professional athletes and aspiring recreational players. Prince Sports, Inc., the parent company, is based in New Jersey, USA, and the International HQ, Prince Sports Europe Ltd, is located in London. Prince Sports, which holds more patents than any other racquet company, revolutionised the game of tennis with its introductions of the "Oversize", "Longbody"®, "Triple Threat"® and "More"® racquets; it reshaped squash with its innovative "Extender"®; "Triple Threat"® and "More"® racquets; and redefined badminton with both "Y-Joint" and "More"® technologies. In 2005, the brand introduces O3, a breakthrough in tennis engineering and technology that increases the sweet spot by up to 54%, enabling players to hit their best shots, more often. Today, Prince Sports has operations on three continents and distribution in over 100 countries.
http://www.princetennis.com/news_events/press/press_release.asp?DocumentID=511
More about his clothing sposor
...The personality-challenged Russian Nikolay Davydenko is the life of the party at Prince, where he has just signed-on to wear the clothing line: "Davydenko is one of the most exciting young talents in world tennis and we are delighted that he has chosen to join the Prince team," said Alistair Thorburn, Prince Sports International President. "The interest in our new O3 technology has been so high that Nikolay wanted to try the O3 Tour in May. Since then, he and the racquet have become inseparable -- and the results thereafter speak for themselves." Wish the racquet spoke for itself, it'd probably give better post-match conferences...
http://www.tennis-x.com/xboard/viewtopic.php?t=775
http://www.tennis-x.com/xboard/viewtopic.php?t=775
Monday, September 19, 2005
Nikolay Davydenko, no 5 mondial, sera présent à Metz,
Les organisateurs ont également annoncé la présence de Richard Gasquet, finaliste de l'édition 2005
A un peu plus d'un mois du début du tournoi, les organisateurs viennent d'annoncer les premiers inscrits. Première bonne nouvelle, la présence de Nikolay Davydenko, 24 ans, en très grande forme depuis le début de l'année avec une victoire à St Poelten et plusieurs fois demi-finaliste notamment à Roland-Garros. Seront également présents aux Arènes de Metz, Richard Gasquet (no 15 mondial) finaliste de l'édition 2004, Ivan Ljubicic (no 16), Nicolas Massu (Champion olympique en titre) ainsi que les français Gael Monfils, Fabrice Santoro et Arnaud Clement.
Réservez dès maintenant vos places en ligne avec paiement sécurisé. Commander maintenant
Nikolay Davydenko, worldwide N. 5, will be present in Metz,
The organizers also announced the presence of Richard Gasquet, finalist of edition 2005 Is a little more than a month old of the beginning of tournament, the organizers have just announced the first registered students. First good news, the presence of Nikolay Davydenko, 24 years, in very big form since the beginning of the year with a win in St Poelten and several times semifinalist notably in Roland-Garros. Will also be present at the Arenae of Metz, Richard Gasquet (worldwide N. 15) finalist of edition 2004, Ivan Ljubicic (N. 16), Nicolas Massu (Olympic champion officially) as well as French Gael Monfils, Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clement. Reserve your online places with reassured payment from now on. Command now
http://www.opendemoselle.com/index.php?p=act&art=37
Les organisateurs ont également annoncé la présence de Richard Gasquet, finaliste de l'édition 2005
A un peu plus d'un mois du début du tournoi, les organisateurs viennent d'annoncer les premiers inscrits. Première bonne nouvelle, la présence de Nikolay Davydenko, 24 ans, en très grande forme depuis le début de l'année avec une victoire à St Poelten et plusieurs fois demi-finaliste notamment à Roland-Garros. Seront également présents aux Arènes de Metz, Richard Gasquet (no 15 mondial) finaliste de l'édition 2004, Ivan Ljubicic (no 16), Nicolas Massu (Champion olympique en titre) ainsi que les français Gael Monfils, Fabrice Santoro et Arnaud Clement.
Réservez dès maintenant vos places en ligne avec paiement sécurisé. Commander maintenant
Nikolay Davydenko, worldwide N. 5, will be present in Metz,
The organizers also announced the presence of Richard Gasquet, finalist of edition 2005 Is a little more than a month old of the beginning of tournament, the organizers have just announced the first registered students. First good news, the presence of Nikolay Davydenko, 24 years, in very big form since the beginning of the year with a win in St Poelten and several times semifinalist notably in Roland-Garros. Will also be present at the Arenae of Metz, Richard Gasquet (worldwide N. 15) finalist of edition 2004, Ivan Ljubicic (N. 16), Nicolas Massu (Olympic champion officially) as well as French Gael Monfils, Fabrice Santoro and Arnaud Clement. Reserve your online places with reassured payment from now on. Command now
http://www.opendemoselle.com/index.php?p=act&art=37
Friday, September 16, 2005
Davydenko Takes Vengeance on Robredo for Safin
June 02, 2005
Davydenko Takes Vengeance on Robredo for Safin
Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko reached semi-finals after defeating Marat Safin’s offender Tommy Robredo of Spain in the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium June 1, 2005. Davydenko won 3-6 6-1 6-2 4-6 6-4.
-->Similar to the match played by Davydenko vs. Guillermo Coria (Arg), when he lost five games running, Davydenko was able to find his game only after the poor start. In the first set, Robredo was fast enough to hit all balls, while Davydenko lacked accuracy. In the second set, however, Davydenko started playing as he had never done before. After racing through the second and the third sets, probably the best sets in his life, Davydenko was leading 4:3 in the fourth one. The only thing he had to do was to be sure at his serve. No one knows how Robredo rediscovered the form but he broke the rhythm, having taken three games running.
In the decisive set, Robredo was psychologically stronger, buoyed up by the audience. Although Davydenko won the first two games, it looked as if Marat Safin’s history would repeat itself. Robredo took the break and equaled the sore. But Davydenko survived to lead 5:3 with the first match ball at Robredo’s serve. There were three match balls in the ninth game overall, all heroically opposed by the Spaniard. But Davydenko finally came through in the tense battle.
In the semi-finals, Davydenko will play Mariano Puerta who knocked out his fellow Argentine’s Guillermo Canas. -->
by www.kommersant.com
Russian Article as of June 02, 2005
Davydenko Takes Vengeance on Robredo for Safin
Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko reached semi-finals after defeating Marat Safin’s offender Tommy Robredo of Spain in the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium June 1, 2005. Davydenko won 3-6 6-1 6-2 4-6 6-4.
-->Similar to the match played by Davydenko vs. Guillermo Coria (Arg), when he lost five games running, Davydenko was able to find his game only after the poor start. In the first set, Robredo was fast enough to hit all balls, while Davydenko lacked accuracy. In the second set, however, Davydenko started playing as he had never done before. After racing through the second and the third sets, probably the best sets in his life, Davydenko was leading 4:3 in the fourth one. The only thing he had to do was to be sure at his serve. No one knows how Robredo rediscovered the form but he broke the rhythm, having taken three games running.
In the decisive set, Robredo was psychologically stronger, buoyed up by the audience. Although Davydenko won the first two games, it looked as if Marat Safin’s history would repeat itself. Robredo took the break and equaled the sore. But Davydenko survived to lead 5:3 with the first match ball at Robredo’s serve. There were three match balls in the ninth game overall, all heroically opposed by the Spaniard. But Davydenko finally came through in the tense battle.
In the semi-finals, Davydenko will play Mariano Puerta who knocked out his fellow Argentine’s Guillermo Canas. -->
by www.kommersant.com
Russian Article as of June 02, 2005
The Court, the Ball and the Weather Prevented Nikolay Davydenko to Win
Aug. 26, 2005
The Court, the Ball and the Weather Prevented Nikolay Davydenko to Win
Nikolay Davydenko, seeded as number one in New Heaven tournament, lost in second round to Juan Ignacio Chela from Argentina. There was a loss among the Russian women as well. Elena Likhovtseva lost to one of the tournament favorites Amelie Mauresmo and dropped out of competition.
-->Nikolay Davydenko never felt comfortable playing in hard courts. He is much better on the clay. The last Davydenko results on hard shows that in New York he has to try really hard to repeat his achievement in Roland Garros, where he advanced to the semifinals. On the hard court tournaments in Montreal, Cincinnati and New Heaven, Davydenko made just to quarter finals. Only once, in Cincinnati, he lost to the serious adversary – Lleyton Hewitt from Australia. In other two mathes, Davydenko lost to Slovak Karol Beck and Argentinean Juan Ignacio Chela. During the match with Chela Davydenko showed good tennis only by the end of the second set. However, by that time the match was lost.
Russian player did not put up the fight in the first part of the match. The score was 1 against 6. Davydenko tried to explain his bad fortune with three reasons: The courts and the balls are different in New Heaven than in Cincinnati,” the tennis player said. “And the weather is also a bit different here. I just could not get used to these conditions.” However, Davydenko was not too upset. “It is good that it happened here and not in US Open. Now, I’ll have more time to prepare myself to the main competition.”
In the mean time, Igor Andreev won in two sets over Olivier Roques. It was a tie-break twice and twice Russian player was taking over. He has a next match with Philipp Kohlschreiber from Germany.Elena Likhovtseva lost her match in the second round almost like Davydenko did –without much of a fight. However, her opponent was much more serious than Davydenko’s. It was Amelie Maurismo, who seeded in New Heaven as number two. The first number belongs to American Lindsay Davenport. -->
by www.kommersant.com
Russian Article as of Aug. 26, 2005
http://www.kommersant.com/page.asp?idr=500&id=603832
The Court, the Ball and the Weather Prevented Nikolay Davydenko to Win
Nikolay Davydenko, seeded as number one in New Heaven tournament, lost in second round to Juan Ignacio Chela from Argentina. There was a loss among the Russian women as well. Elena Likhovtseva lost to one of the tournament favorites Amelie Mauresmo and dropped out of competition.
-->Nikolay Davydenko never felt comfortable playing in hard courts. He is much better on the clay. The last Davydenko results on hard shows that in New York he has to try really hard to repeat his achievement in Roland Garros, where he advanced to the semifinals. On the hard court tournaments in Montreal, Cincinnati and New Heaven, Davydenko made just to quarter finals. Only once, in Cincinnati, he lost to the serious adversary – Lleyton Hewitt from Australia. In other two mathes, Davydenko lost to Slovak Karol Beck and Argentinean Juan Ignacio Chela. During the match with Chela Davydenko showed good tennis only by the end of the second set. However, by that time the match was lost.
Russian player did not put up the fight in the first part of the match. The score was 1 against 6. Davydenko tried to explain his bad fortune with three reasons: The courts and the balls are different in New Heaven than in Cincinnati,” the tennis player said. “And the weather is also a bit different here. I just could not get used to these conditions.” However, Davydenko was not too upset. “It is good that it happened here and not in US Open. Now, I’ll have more time to prepare myself to the main competition.”
In the mean time, Igor Andreev won in two sets over Olivier Roques. It was a tie-break twice and twice Russian player was taking over. He has a next match with Philipp Kohlschreiber from Germany.Elena Likhovtseva lost her match in the second round almost like Davydenko did –without much of a fight. However, her opponent was much more serious than Davydenko’s. It was Amelie Maurismo, who seeded in New Heaven as number two. The first number belongs to American Lindsay Davenport. -->
by www.kommersant.com
Russian Article as of Aug. 26, 2005
http://www.kommersant.com/page.asp?idr=500&id=603832
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Davydenko puts past behind, looks ahead
Davydenko puts past behind, looks ahead
By Dustin DowMASON -
There's no magic formula for success on the ATP Tour. The simplest way to the top is to just win matches.Nikolay Davydenko was an obscure Russian tennis player with an overall career record of well below .500 until this season. But with a 43-20 record in 2005, Davydenko is suddenly No. 7 in the world and playing today in the quarterfinals of the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters."You can't win everything, but you can improve," said Davydenko, whose ranking has improved steadily the past five years. "You can play good, even to come into the semis, quarters, finals - why not?"A semifinalist in the French Open, Davydenko, 24, will play No. 3 Lleyton Hewitt tonight for a chance to reach the semifinals here.Davydenko's breakthrough season, however, has not been entirely blissful. Last month, the ATP cleared him of a match-fixing allegation that arose after he retired from a match against a good friend, Sargis Sargsian, when Davydenko was leading 6-1, 1-0.Gambling Web site Onthepunt.com reported that a bet of 4,000 euros was made on the underdog Sargsian five minutes before the match began, and that the bet was traced to a computer at the players' hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland.The Web site also reported, "Because of irregularities surrounding previous matches involving Sargsian, many bookmakers had not offered odds on the match."Davydenko, however, is 10-3 since losing that match July 4 and said the effects of dealing with the situation are minimal."I don't know," Davydenko said. "Maybe it's supposed to make me feel different, but it's everything the same. This year I play better, not like last year. I'm not thinking about why. It's not so easy to tell how something affects you mentally in your mind. All you're thinking about is the match."
By Dustin DowMASON -
There's no magic formula for success on the ATP Tour. The simplest way to the top is to just win matches.Nikolay Davydenko was an obscure Russian tennis player with an overall career record of well below .500 until this season. But with a 43-20 record in 2005, Davydenko is suddenly No. 7 in the world and playing today in the quarterfinals of the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters."You can't win everything, but you can improve," said Davydenko, whose ranking has improved steadily the past five years. "You can play good, even to come into the semis, quarters, finals - why not?"A semifinalist in the French Open, Davydenko, 24, will play No. 3 Lleyton Hewitt tonight for a chance to reach the semifinals here.Davydenko's breakthrough season, however, has not been entirely blissful. Last month, the ATP cleared him of a match-fixing allegation that arose after he retired from a match against a good friend, Sargis Sargsian, when Davydenko was leading 6-1, 1-0.Gambling Web site Onthepunt.com reported that a bet of 4,000 euros was made on the underdog Sargsian five minutes before the match began, and that the bet was traced to a computer at the players' hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland.The Web site also reported, "Because of irregularities surrounding previous matches involving Sargsian, many bookmakers had not offered odds on the match."Davydenko, however, is 10-3 since losing that match July 4 and said the effects of dealing with the situation are minimal."I don't know," Davydenko said. "Maybe it's supposed to make me feel different, but it's everything the same. This year I play better, not like last year. I'm not thinking about why. It's not so easy to tell how something affects you mentally in your mind. All you're thinking about is the match."
Monday, September 12, 2005
Nikolay and Prince tennis apparel
"Thanks for your interest. Nikolay is currently wearing our footwear and apparel....he loves the Freak shoe!!! He will continue to wear the product through the year. Thanks!!! ----- Forwarded by Web Tech1/PrinceSports on 09/08/05 09:20 AM -----
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Open-Paradorn storms past sixth seed Davydenko
NEW YORK, Sept 2 (Reuters) -
Unseeded Thai Paradorn Srichaphan upset sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko 6-4 7-5 6-3 on Friday to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open.
The 26-year-old Paradorn, ranked 51, ripped 45 winners in his victory over the Russian, who had reached the semi-finals at the French Open and the last eight at the Australian Open.
The Thai will next face Italian David Sanguinetti, who also vanquished a seeded player in number 31 Carlos Moya, the 1998 French Open champion.
Sanguinetti beat Moya 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4.
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticleSearch.aspx?storyID=213088+02-Sep-2005+RTRS&srch=Nikolay+Davydenko
Unseeded Thai Paradorn Srichaphan upset sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko 6-4 7-5 6-3 on Friday to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open.
The 26-year-old Paradorn, ranked 51, ripped 45 winners in his victory over the Russian, who had reached the semi-finals at the French Open and the last eight at the Australian Open.
The Thai will next face Italian David Sanguinetti, who also vanquished a seeded player in number 31 Carlos Moya, the 1998 French Open champion.
Sanguinetti beat Moya 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4.
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticleSearch.aspx?storyID=213088+02-Sep-2005+RTRS&srch=Nikolay+Davydenko
World's No.5 Nikolay Davydenko to miss China Open due to injury
World's No.5 Nikolay Davydenko to miss China Open due to injury
www.chinaview.cn 2005-09-06 16:23:38
BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian's No.1 tennis player Nikolay Davydenko, ranked 5th in ATP rankings, withdrew from China Open due to injury, it was announced by the organizing committee here on Tuesday. The committee said it's sorry that after the withdrawal of defending champion Safin, another top tennis player from Russia was not able to come to play in China Open. Davydenko has been eliminated by Srichaphan in the 5th round of U.S. Open. According to the committee, Belgian Dick Norman will take the place in the tournament.
www.chinaview.cn 2005-09-06 16:23:38
BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian's No.1 tennis player Nikolay Davydenko, ranked 5th in ATP rankings, withdrew from China Open due to injury, it was announced by the organizing committee here on Tuesday. The committee said it's sorry that after the withdrawal of defending champion Safin, another top tennis player from Russia was not able to come to play in China Open. Davydenko has been eliminated by Srichaphan in the 5th round of U.S. Open. According to the committee, Belgian Dick Norman will take the place in the tournament.
Friday, August 26, 2005
What’s on Kolya’s hook?
What’s on Kolya’s hook?
The Russian team beat the French in the Davis Cup quarterfinal to a great extent thanks to our new leader – 24 year old Nikolay Davydenko. Roland Garros semifinalist, a player who stormed into Top 10 this year brought two points out of two for his team. The stadium roared “Kolya we’re with you!!!!” (ermmm I seriously think this girl was sitting close to LOL because that’s exactly what I was shouting all the time ROTFL) and Richard Gasquet after the match said that he was beaten by a player with “no weaknesses”. Kolya shook his head in response and said that he didn’t do anything extraordinary, he just fought for every single ball since it wasn’t only him he was playing for, it was for a whole team. It was Nikolay’s debut as a team leader and he didn’t let the guys down despite a right wrist injury.
“When Marat is in the team he acts like a 100% leader – he gives it all he has. I was first against France and that means injury or no injury, I had to fight till the end, I wanted to show my best tennis to my home crowd”.
Nikolay appeared on the team only two years ago. In that period of time the journalists seem to have found out everything about him. Where he lives, where he trains, about his brother Edward and a nephew Phillip and even about the fact that Kolya knows how to make house wine. Lately he’s been taken by a new hobby:
“I’ve become a true fisherman, fish for trout in Germany. This is the best rest ever for me. Excellent stuff! My Dad got me hooked up on this, who is a fishing addict. After Roland Garros him and my Mum came to visit. Not far from the town where we live there is a mountain river, so we went to try for a couple of hours. Caught a trout, which weighed about half a kilo. Cooked it at home and it was delicious, never ate anything tastier! My nephew never used to eat fish before, and suddenly his appetite had woken up too: it’s obviously more fun, you eat what you catch yourself. As soon I get home, I will buy a pair of big boots, so that I can get deeper into the water. I am gonna go fishing as much as I can now. How could I never have done this before? It’s because of the amount of tournaments, I never have time for anything. It’s really funny now, but when I came to Wimbledon, first thing I did was ask if there was much fish in rivers there, I regretted that I didn’t take my fishing rod with me. While I worked my butt off at Wimbledon my brother and my nephew managed to catch 5 fish without me! I was so jealous!
Edward coaches Phillip since he was very young, just like he did with me. That’s why he doesn’t go to tournaments with me very much now, just the very important ones, he dedicates a lot of time to his son. Without him I already managed to win a tournament in St. Peltzen. I do miss him a lot however. For example, I used to love training with my brother on the first days of the tournament, get used to the courts, the balls. If you have to make arrangements with some of the players, you have to tune up to them and that’s a bit uncomfortable. During the tournament you also want to brush up your techniques, to play slowly, no hurry, you cannot do that with players. On the whole though, I can’t complain, this year has been successful for me so far. Quarterfinals in Australia, a semifinal in Paris, a four-set win over Coria, which I consider to be the best match of my career. Some people brought me videotapes with matches recorded, so I have what to watch.
And now two victories for the Russian team in Moscow. As fishermen say if there is biting, you have luck on your hook.
Tennis+ Magazine Russia
Thanks to annie!!!
The Russian team beat the French in the Davis Cup quarterfinal to a great extent thanks to our new leader – 24 year old Nikolay Davydenko. Roland Garros semifinalist, a player who stormed into Top 10 this year brought two points out of two for his team. The stadium roared “Kolya we’re with you!!!!” (ermmm I seriously think this girl was sitting close to LOL because that’s exactly what I was shouting all the time ROTFL) and Richard Gasquet after the match said that he was beaten by a player with “no weaknesses”. Kolya shook his head in response and said that he didn’t do anything extraordinary, he just fought for every single ball since it wasn’t only him he was playing for, it was for a whole team. It was Nikolay’s debut as a team leader and he didn’t let the guys down despite a right wrist injury.
“When Marat is in the team he acts like a 100% leader – he gives it all he has. I was first against France and that means injury or no injury, I had to fight till the end, I wanted to show my best tennis to my home crowd”.
Nikolay appeared on the team only two years ago. In that period of time the journalists seem to have found out everything about him. Where he lives, where he trains, about his brother Edward and a nephew Phillip and even about the fact that Kolya knows how to make house wine. Lately he’s been taken by a new hobby:
“I’ve become a true fisherman, fish for trout in Germany. This is the best rest ever for me. Excellent stuff! My Dad got me hooked up on this, who is a fishing addict. After Roland Garros him and my Mum came to visit. Not far from the town where we live there is a mountain river, so we went to try for a couple of hours. Caught a trout, which weighed about half a kilo. Cooked it at home and it was delicious, never ate anything tastier! My nephew never used to eat fish before, and suddenly his appetite had woken up too: it’s obviously more fun, you eat what you catch yourself. As soon I get home, I will buy a pair of big boots, so that I can get deeper into the water. I am gonna go fishing as much as I can now. How could I never have done this before? It’s because of the amount of tournaments, I never have time for anything. It’s really funny now, but when I came to Wimbledon, first thing I did was ask if there was much fish in rivers there, I regretted that I didn’t take my fishing rod with me. While I worked my butt off at Wimbledon my brother and my nephew managed to catch 5 fish without me! I was so jealous!
Edward coaches Phillip since he was very young, just like he did with me. That’s why he doesn’t go to tournaments with me very much now, just the very important ones, he dedicates a lot of time to his son. Without him I already managed to win a tournament in St. Peltzen. I do miss him a lot however. For example, I used to love training with my brother on the first days of the tournament, get used to the courts, the balls. If you have to make arrangements with some of the players, you have to tune up to them and that’s a bit uncomfortable. During the tournament you also want to brush up your techniques, to play slowly, no hurry, you cannot do that with players. On the whole though, I can’t complain, this year has been successful for me so far. Quarterfinals in Australia, a semifinal in Paris, a four-set win over Coria, which I consider to be the best match of my career. Some people brought me videotapes with matches recorded, so I have what to watch.
And now two victories for the Russian team in Moscow. As fishermen say if there is biting, you have luck on your hook.
Tennis+ Magazine Russia
Thanks to annie!!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Second-seeded Mauresmo wins, top-seeded Davydenko loses
Second-seeded Mauresmo wins, top-seeded Davydenko loses
By HOWARD ULMAN, AP Sports WriterAugust 24, 2005
AP - Aug 24, 9:39 pm
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)
The top-seeded player in the men's draw couldn't avoid an upset as Juan Ignacio Chela overcame a big deficit in the tiebreaker and beat Nikolay Davydenko 6-1, 7-6 (5) in the second round.
Chela was cruising through the match, winning the first set 6-1 and leading the second 3-0, before Davydenko rallied. He won the next four games, but Chela held service to tie the set at 4-4.
In the tiebreaker, Davydenko, ranked sixth in the world, surged to a 4-1 lead but lost the next five points, two when he hit backhands into the net. Chela, ranked 50th, then hit a forehand into the net. But Davydenko ended a long rally -- and the match -- when his crosscourt forehand sailed wide.
Davydenko's baseline style helps Chela, who is unbeaten in four matches against him
That gives Chela `` lot of rhythm and that's the way (Chela) likes to play,'' the winner from Argentina said through an interpreter.
Davydenko increased the tension on his rackets for this tournament but, after falling far behind, switched back to one with less tension that gave him more control. Then, he started his comeback but broke a string late in the match and went back to one with greater tension.
``I don't know if it's me or the rackets'' responsible for the loss, Davydenko said.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-newhaven&prov=ap&type=lgns
By HOWARD ULMAN, AP Sports WriterAugust 24, 2005
AP - Aug 24, 9:39 pm
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)
The top-seeded player in the men's draw couldn't avoid an upset as Juan Ignacio Chela overcame a big deficit in the tiebreaker and beat Nikolay Davydenko 6-1, 7-6 (5) in the second round.
Chela was cruising through the match, winning the first set 6-1 and leading the second 3-0, before Davydenko rallied. He won the next four games, but Chela held service to tie the set at 4-4.
In the tiebreaker, Davydenko, ranked sixth in the world, surged to a 4-1 lead but lost the next five points, two when he hit backhands into the net. Chela, ranked 50th, then hit a forehand into the net. But Davydenko ended a long rally -- and the match -- when his crosscourt forehand sailed wide.
Davydenko's baseline style helps Chela, who is unbeaten in four matches against him
That gives Chela `` lot of rhythm and that's the way (Chela) likes to play,'' the winner from Argentina said through an interpreter.
Davydenko increased the tension on his rackets for this tournament but, after falling far behind, switched back to one with less tension that gave him more control. Then, he started his comeback but broke a string late in the match and went back to one with greater tension.
``I don't know if it's me or the rackets'' responsible for the loss, Davydenko said.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-newhaven&prov=ap&type=lgns
Davydenko ousted in New Haven, Mauresmo cruises
Davydenko ousted in New Haven, Mauresmo cruises
By Simon Cambers
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Top seed Nikolay Davydenko only had himself to blame when he was dumped out of the New Haven Open on Wednesday, his poor preparation leading to a 6-1 7-6 loss to Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela in the second round.
...
A rueful Davydenko, who reached the semi-finals at the French Open, said: "Today was my mistake.
"I came here from Cincinnati and here the balls and the courts are different, so I changed the tension on my rackets to give me more control.
"In practice, it was good but today the weather was maybe different and I couldn't do anything.
"I had made four of my five rackets tighter, for more control, but when it was 6-1 3-0, I changed to my old one and started to play well. Then I broke my string at 6-5 and had to use the new ones again.
"If I'd won the second set, I'd probably have lost 6-1 like in the first.
"It's better that it happened here than at the U.S. Open, and now I can rest a bit and prepare more."
By Simon Cambers
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Top seed Nikolay Davydenko only had himself to blame when he was dumped out of the New Haven Open on Wednesday, his poor preparation leading to a 6-1 7-6 loss to Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela in the second round.
...
A rueful Davydenko, who reached the semi-finals at the French Open, said: "Today was my mistake.
"I came here from Cincinnati and here the balls and the courts are different, so I changed the tension on my rackets to give me more control.
"In practice, it was good but today the weather was maybe different and I couldn't do anything.
"I had made four of my five rackets tighter, for more control, but when it was 6-1 3-0, I changed to my old one and started to play well. Then I broke my string at 6-5 and had to use the new ones again.
"If I'd won the second set, I'd probably have lost 6-1 like in the first.
"It's better that it happened here than at the U.S. Open, and now I can rest a bit and prepare more."
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Nadal in action Tuesday at Cincinnati tennis
Nadal in action Tuesday at Cincinnati tennis
August 16, 2005
...Also Tuesday afternoon, No. 6 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia edged Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5. He awaits Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 winner over German Tommy Haas...
Updated on Tuesday, Aug 16, 2005 7:41 pm EDT
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=cincinnatitennis&prov=st&type=lgns
August 16, 2005
...Also Tuesday afternoon, No. 6 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia edged Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5. He awaits Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 winner over German Tommy Haas...
Updated on Tuesday, Aug 16, 2005 7:41 pm EDT
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=cincinnatitennis&prov=st&type=lgns
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Zabaleta sends top-seeded Davydenko packing
Zabaleta sends top-seeded Davydenko packing
July 27, 2005CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
Zabaleta won by converting his fourth match point in the final tiebreaker.
"It's simply wonderful. I played great tennis today and ousting the tournament top seed is just fantastic," Zabaleta said.
In the second set, Zabaleta lead 40-0 in the ninth game and was broken, but he broke back to 5-5 in the next game as Davydenko committed three unforced errors.
"I am very disappointed. I wanted to get very far here, but Mariano was too strong today," Davydenko said.
Also, Fernando Verdasco of Spain defeated eight-seeded Olivier Rochus of Belgium 7-5, 6-3 and Robin Vik of the Czech Republic beat 16th-seeded Paul-Henri Mathieu when the Frenchman retired while trailing 7-5, 1-0.
AP NEWSThe Associated Press News Service
http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/8680584
July 27, 2005CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
Zabaleta won by converting his fourth match point in the final tiebreaker.
"It's simply wonderful. I played great tennis today and ousting the tournament top seed is just fantastic," Zabaleta said.
In the second set, Zabaleta lead 40-0 in the ninth game and was broken, but he broke back to 5-5 in the next game as Davydenko committed three unforced errors.
"I am very disappointed. I wanted to get very far here, but Mariano was too strong today," Davydenko said.
Also, Fernando Verdasco of Spain defeated eight-seeded Olivier Rochus of Belgium 7-5, 6-3 and Robin Vik of the Czech Republic beat 16th-seeded Paul-Henri Mathieu when the Frenchman retired while trailing 7-5, 1-0.
AP NEWSThe Associated Press News Service
http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/8680584
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Zabaleta ousts top seed Davydenko
Zabaleta ousts top seed Davydenko
Mariano Zabaleta of Argentina sent top seed Nikolay Davydenko crashing out of the Generali Open on Wednesday.
The Argentine converted his fourth match point to come through 6-4 7-6 (7-5) and reach the third round.
"It's simply wonderful," he said. "I played great today and ousting the tournament top seed is just fantastic."
Third seed Gaston Gaudio beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5 6-3, but fellow seeds Olivier Rochus and Paul-Henri Mathieu made early exits.
Fernando Verdasco beat eighth seed Rochus of Belgium 7-5 6-3, and Robin Vik beat 16th seed Mathieu when the Frenchman retired when trailing 7-5 1-0.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4721447.stm
Mariano Zabaleta of Argentina sent top seed Nikolay Davydenko crashing out of the Generali Open on Wednesday.
The Argentine converted his fourth match point to come through 6-4 7-6 (7-5) and reach the third round.
"It's simply wonderful," he said. "I played great today and ousting the tournament top seed is just fantastic."
Third seed Gaston Gaudio beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5 6-3, but fellow seeds Olivier Rochus and Paul-Henri Mathieu made early exits.
Fernando Verdasco beat eighth seed Rochus of Belgium 7-5 6-3, and Robin Vik beat 16th seed Mathieu when the Frenchman retired when trailing 7-5 1-0.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/4721447.stm
Top-seeded Davydenko loses at Generali Open
Top-seeded Davydenko loses at Generali Open
July 27, 2005
KITZBUEHEL, Austria (AP) -- Mariano Zabaleta upset top-seeded Nikolay Davydenko 6-4, 7-6 (5) Wednesday in the second round of the Generali Open.
Zabaleta won by converting his fourth match point in the tiebreaker.
In the second set, Zabaleta lead 40-0 in the ninth game and was broken, but he broke back to 5-5 in the next game as Davydenko committed three unforced errors.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-kitzbuehel&prov=ap&type=lgns
July 27, 2005
KITZBUEHEL, Austria (AP) -- Mariano Zabaleta upset top-seeded Nikolay Davydenko 6-4, 7-6 (5) Wednesday in the second round of the Generali Open.
Zabaleta won by converting his fourth match point in the tiebreaker.
In the second set, Zabaleta lead 40-0 in the ninth game and was broken, but he broke back to 5-5 in the next game as Davydenko committed three unforced errors.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-kitzbuehel&prov=ap&type=lgns
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Davydenko Retires – Gaudio in Final
23. July 2005
Davydenko Retires – Gaudio in Final -
For the second time in a row and the third time overall Gaston Gaudio has managed to reach the final of the MercedesCup. The Argentinean player clearly had the better start in the match against the No. 2 seed, the Russian Nikolay Davydenko. The 2004 French Open champion won the first set 6:3 and went into the second set with a very promising 2:0. Davydenko, No. 7 in the world rankings, who had already been treated by the tournament physiotherapist during the interval between the sets, was then able to take Gaudio’s service game, but finally had to give in to his illness. At a score of 2:1, the Russian retired, giving the Argentinean another chance to win the Mercedes-Benz champion’s car in the final. - In spite of the unusual turn the match had taken, Gaudio was very happy over his successful semi-final. “Of course I am sorry for him,” he said in view of Davydenko’s bad luck, “But of course it is much better for me.” Now he is concentrating on the final against Rafael Nadal. “That is a super situation to be able to play against him, to try to beat him and break his series of wins. And anyway, I will be playing here for the third time in the final. That means a lot of great things are going to happen tomorrow.” There is no doubt, continued Gaudio, that the Spaniard is the clear favourite for the coming duel. “But every match is different and writes a story of its own.” Irrespective of how the final ends, the three-time MercedesCup finalist is full of praise for Weissenhof, “I love this tournament.”
http://mercedescup.trendspurt.de/_press/?&block_id=2&activelevel=4&activelevel_2=0
Davydenko Retires – Gaudio in Final -
For the second time in a row and the third time overall Gaston Gaudio has managed to reach the final of the MercedesCup. The Argentinean player clearly had the better start in the match against the No. 2 seed, the Russian Nikolay Davydenko. The 2004 French Open champion won the first set 6:3 and went into the second set with a very promising 2:0. Davydenko, No. 7 in the world rankings, who had already been treated by the tournament physiotherapist during the interval between the sets, was then able to take Gaudio’s service game, but finally had to give in to his illness. At a score of 2:1, the Russian retired, giving the Argentinean another chance to win the Mercedes-Benz champion’s car in the final. - In spite of the unusual turn the match had taken, Gaudio was very happy over his successful semi-final. “Of course I am sorry for him,” he said in view of Davydenko’s bad luck, “But of course it is much better for me.” Now he is concentrating on the final against Rafael Nadal. “That is a super situation to be able to play against him, to try to beat him and break his series of wins. And anyway, I will be playing here for the third time in the final. That means a lot of great things are going to happen tomorrow.” There is no doubt, continued Gaudio, that the Spaniard is the clear favourite for the coming duel. “But every match is different and writes a story of its own.” Irrespective of how the final ends, the three-time MercedesCup finalist is full of praise for Weissenhof, “I love this tournament.”
http://mercedescup.trendspurt.de/_press/?&block_id=2&activelevel=4&activelevel_2=0
Friday, July 22, 2005
Roddick Loses at Indy, Pulls From L.A.
Roddick Loses at Indy, Pulls From L.A.
Posted on July 23, 2005
Top 3 Seeds Into Semifinals at ATP Stuttgart
The top three seeds advanced into the semifinals Friday at the ATP claycourt stop in Stuttgart with winners (1) Rafael Nadal (d. Zib), (2) Nikolay Davydenko (d. (11) Berdych), and (3) Gaston Gaudio (d. Zabaleta in three)."I think I played a very good match having a lot of confidence," Nadal said. "I was in control all the time, which is good for the confidence. Every match is difficult and different. I try to play my best in every match."Also into the semis was unseeded Fin Jarkko Nieminen who defeated Italian Andreas Seppi in straight sets.Nadal now has the most consecutive clay wins since Thomas Muster won 40 straight in 1995.Saturday's semifinal match-ups are (1) Nadal vs. Nieminen (first meeting), (3) Gaudio vs. (2) Davydenko (Gaudio leads 4-0), and in doubles Nadal/Verdasco vs. Hood/Robredo, and (WC)Beck/Rieschick vs. Acasuso/Prieto
http://www.tennis-x.com/story/2005-07-23/d.php
Posted on July 23, 2005
Top 3 Seeds Into Semifinals at ATP Stuttgart
The top three seeds advanced into the semifinals Friday at the ATP claycourt stop in Stuttgart with winners (1) Rafael Nadal (d. Zib), (2) Nikolay Davydenko (d. (11) Berdych), and (3) Gaston Gaudio (d. Zabaleta in three)."I think I played a very good match having a lot of confidence," Nadal said. "I was in control all the time, which is good for the confidence. Every match is difficult and different. I try to play my best in every match."Also into the semis was unseeded Fin Jarkko Nieminen who defeated Italian Andreas Seppi in straight sets.Nadal now has the most consecutive clay wins since Thomas Muster won 40 straight in 1995.Saturday's semifinal match-ups are (1) Nadal vs. Nieminen (first meeting), (3) Gaudio vs. (2) Davydenko (Gaudio leads 4-0), and in doubles Nadal/Verdasco vs. Hood/Robredo, and (WC)Beck/Rieschick vs. Acasuso/Prieto
http://www.tennis-x.com/story/2005-07-23/d.php
Nadal cruises to 32nd straight win on clay
Nadal in top form again -- 32nd clay win in a row
By ROY KAMMERERJuly 22, 2005
...Second-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia also advanced, beating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-2. In the semifinals, he will face third-seeded Gaston Gaudio, a 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 winner against fellow Argentine Mariano Zabaleta...
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-stuttgart&prov=ap&type=lgns
By ROY KAMMERERJuly 22, 2005
...Second-seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia also advanced, beating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-2. In the semifinals, he will face third-seeded Gaston Gaudio, a 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 winner against fellow Argentine Mariano Zabaleta...
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-stuttgart&prov=ap&type=lgns
Alexander Waske: “It was incredibly difficult ”
21. July 2005
Alexander Waske: “It was incredibly difficult ” Yesterday – before the match at the 27 th MercedesCup against No. 2 seed Nikolay Davydenko – Alexander Waske announced he would fight to the bitter end. And that is almost exactly what happened as the No. 121 in the ATP Entry List made life very difficult for the No: 7 in the rankings. “It started off very well. But it is really incredibly difficult to find a free spot where you can put the ball.” According to Waske, the Russian moves terribly quickly and returns very well. But especially in the first set, it was easy to forget the great difference between the two in the rankings. For a short time in the decisive phase it even looked as if the 30-year-old would surprise everyone and win the match. “At 6:5 and 0:30 I had him just where I wanted him. He was on the edge of the cliff and if I had been able to push him over at that point, perhaps he would have given up in frustration. But then he took four points in a row.” The Russian won the following tie break won 7:3 and in the second set he was able to counter Waske’s very fast and powerful game even better. After exactly one and a half hours, Davydenko managed to get into the quarter-finals with a score of 6:3.
http://mercedescup.trendspurt.de/_press/?&block_id=2&activelevel=4&activelevel_2=0
Alexander Waske: “It was incredibly difficult ” Yesterday – before the match at the 27 th MercedesCup against No. 2 seed Nikolay Davydenko – Alexander Waske announced he would fight to the bitter end. And that is almost exactly what happened as the No. 121 in the ATP Entry List made life very difficult for the No: 7 in the rankings. “It started off very well. But it is really incredibly difficult to find a free spot where you can put the ball.” According to Waske, the Russian moves terribly quickly and returns very well. But especially in the first set, it was easy to forget the great difference between the two in the rankings. For a short time in the decisive phase it even looked as if the 30-year-old would surprise everyone and win the match. “At 6:5 and 0:30 I had him just where I wanted him. He was on the edge of the cliff and if I had been able to push him over at that point, perhaps he would have given up in frustration. But then he took four points in a row.” The Russian won the following tie break won 7:3 and in the second set he was able to counter Waske’s very fast and powerful game even better. After exactly one and a half hours, Davydenko managed to get into the quarter-finals with a score of 6:3.
http://mercedescup.trendspurt.de/_press/?&block_id=2&activelevel=4&activelevel_2=0
Davydenko Still Has Clean Slate – 6:4, 6:2 against Berdych
22. July 2005
Davydenko Still Has Clean Slate – 6:4, 6:2 against Berdych - It only took Nikolay Davydenko one hour and 11 minutes to defeat young Tomas Berdych on Friday morning to get into the semi-final round of the 27 th MercedesCup. - Once again the No. 2 seed did not lose one single set and kept his clean slate at Weissenhof. Nineteen-year-old Berdych felt superiority of his five-years-older opponent from the very first game in the first set when Davydenko promptly took his service game. The Czech may have been able to stand up to him in his other serving games, but the set still went 6:4 to the Russian. The signs changed however in the second set, when Berdych was successful with his serves, starting the set with an open 2:2. Then the No. 7 in the world rankings took off and won the set easily 6:2.
http://mercedescup.trendspurt.de/_press/?&block_id=2&activelevel=4&activelevel_2=0
Davydenko Still Has Clean Slate – 6:4, 6:2 against Berdych - It only took Nikolay Davydenko one hour and 11 minutes to defeat young Tomas Berdych on Friday morning to get into the semi-final round of the 27 th MercedesCup. - Once again the No. 2 seed did not lose one single set and kept his clean slate at Weissenhof. Nineteen-year-old Berdych felt superiority of his five-years-older opponent from the very first game in the first set when Davydenko promptly took his service game. The Czech may have been able to stand up to him in his other serving games, but the set still went 6:4 to the Russian. The signs changed however in the second set, when Berdych was successful with his serves, starting the set with an open 2:2. Then the No. 7 in the world rankings took off and won the set easily 6:2.
http://mercedescup.trendspurt.de/_press/?&block_id=2&activelevel=4&activelevel_2=0
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Nadal Extends Clay Winning-Streak to 30, Scores 100th Match Victory
Nadal Extends Clay Winning-Streak to 30, Scores 100th Match Victory
...Nikolay Davydenko, who reached the semifinals here last year, defeated Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the third round. The second seeded Davydenko is tied for fifth with fellow Russian Marat Safin in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race.
Earlier this year, Davydenko won his fifth career singles title in St. Poelten and reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros....
http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/stuttgart_wednesday.asp
...Nikolay Davydenko, who reached the semifinals here last year, defeated Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the third round. The second seeded Davydenko is tied for fifth with fellow Russian Marat Safin in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race.
Earlier this year, Davydenko won his fifth career singles title in St. Poelten and reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Roland Garros....
http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/stuttgart_wednesday.asp
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Russia adopts Davydenko as latest Davis Cup hero
Russia adopts Davydenko as latest Davis Cup hero
2005-07-18 13:38:17 GMT (Reuters)
By Gennady Fyodorov{MOSCOW, July 18 (Reuters) -
With Australian Open champion Marat Safin out injured and 2002 Davis Cup hero Mikhail Youzhny struggling for form, Russia have found a new leader in Nikolay Davydenko.
Davydenko won both his singles matches in the Davis Cup quarter-finals against France at Moscow's Olympic Stadium last weekend to guide Russia into the last four for the first time since 2002.
That year they went on to win the trophy by beating France in the final thanks to an amazing comeback victory by Youzhny. Last weekend the Ukraine-born and Germany-based Davydenko saved the day for his adopted country despite nursing a painful wrist injury.
The world number seven thrashed Paul-Henri Mathieu on opening day to level the best-of-five tie at 1-1, then on Sunday overwhelmed French teenager Richard Gasquet to even the score at 2-2 to set the stage for Igor Andreev to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win.
Unlike the telegenic Safin, Davydenko, who was born in the mining town of Severodonetsk in eastern Ukraine, keeps a low profile.
His rise to prominence, culminating at this year's French Open where he reached his first grand slam semi-final, has been a hard slog.
Solid but unspectacular, Davydenko relies on his shot selection rather than brutal power in winning matches.
Russia Davis Cup captain Shamil Tarpishchev paid tribute to Davydenko's tactical wisdom and ability to read the game to achieve success."Davydenko doesn't have Safin's power, (Roger) Federer's finesse nor (Andy) Roddick's serve, so he has to work much harder than those guys for every point," Tarpishchev said.
"It's his brain that sets him apart from the rest."
While some players like to talk about their achievements and future goals, humble Davydenko keeps his thoughts to himself.
Asked if his aim was to become the world number one and win a grand slam title after his showing at Roland Garros, Davydenko said: "Every player dreams of one day winning a grand slam and becoming number one in the world, I'm no different. But my main goal is to keep improving and become a better player."
People who know the soft-spoken 24-year-old say his modesty stems from his childhood. He left home at the age of 10, joining his elder brother Eduard, who later became his coach, in Volgograd.
Then they moved to Germany, settling in the small town of Trir, near the French border, where Eduard got a coaching job.
Davydenko won his first ATP title in January 2003 in Adelaide and repeated his success at the Estoril Open three months later.That year he also made his Davis Cup debut against the Czech Republic in the World Group first round in Ostrava where he beat Radek Stepanek in the decider to clinch Russia's victory.
With Safin recuperating from knee surgery, Tarpishchev is sure to count on Davydenko to lead Russia once again when they take on Croatia in the Davis Cup semi-finals in September.
"You can always count on Nikolay to give 100 percent no matter what," Tarpishchev said. "That's the most any coach can ask of a player."
2005-07-18 13:38:17 GMT (Reuters)
By Gennady Fyodorov{MOSCOW, July 18 (Reuters) -
With Australian Open champion Marat Safin out injured and 2002 Davis Cup hero Mikhail Youzhny struggling for form, Russia have found a new leader in Nikolay Davydenko.
Davydenko won both his singles matches in the Davis Cup quarter-finals against France at Moscow's Olympic Stadium last weekend to guide Russia into the last four for the first time since 2002.
That year they went on to win the trophy by beating France in the final thanks to an amazing comeback victory by Youzhny. Last weekend the Ukraine-born and Germany-based Davydenko saved the day for his adopted country despite nursing a painful wrist injury.
The world number seven thrashed Paul-Henri Mathieu on opening day to level the best-of-five tie at 1-1, then on Sunday overwhelmed French teenager Richard Gasquet to even the score at 2-2 to set the stage for Igor Andreev to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win.
Unlike the telegenic Safin, Davydenko, who was born in the mining town of Severodonetsk in eastern Ukraine, keeps a low profile.
His rise to prominence, culminating at this year's French Open where he reached his first grand slam semi-final, has been a hard slog.
Solid but unspectacular, Davydenko relies on his shot selection rather than brutal power in winning matches.
Russia Davis Cup captain Shamil Tarpishchev paid tribute to Davydenko's tactical wisdom and ability to read the game to achieve success."Davydenko doesn't have Safin's power, (Roger) Federer's finesse nor (Andy) Roddick's serve, so he has to work much harder than those guys for every point," Tarpishchev said.
"It's his brain that sets him apart from the rest."
While some players like to talk about their achievements and future goals, humble Davydenko keeps his thoughts to himself.
Asked if his aim was to become the world number one and win a grand slam title after his showing at Roland Garros, Davydenko said: "Every player dreams of one day winning a grand slam and becoming number one in the world, I'm no different. But my main goal is to keep improving and become a better player."
People who know the soft-spoken 24-year-old say his modesty stems from his childhood. He left home at the age of 10, joining his elder brother Eduard, who later became his coach, in Volgograd.
Then they moved to Germany, settling in the small town of Trir, near the French border, where Eduard got a coaching job.
Davydenko won his first ATP title in January 2003 in Adelaide and repeated his success at the Estoril Open three months later.That year he also made his Davis Cup debut against the Czech Republic in the World Group first round in Ostrava where he beat Radek Stepanek in the decider to clinch Russia's victory.
With Safin recuperating from knee surgery, Tarpishchev is sure to count on Davydenko to lead Russia once again when they take on Croatia in the Davis Cup semi-finals in September.
"You can always count on Nikolay to give 100 percent no matter what," Tarpishchev said. "That's the most any coach can ask of a player."
Monday, July 18, 2005
Annie's fan report from Davis Cup 2005
OK here goes the report first.
Day 1
First of all my apologies to everyone who is waiting for photos but I have been a real idiot and left my camera yesterday at the office so there will be no photos from Day 1, but there will be many from days 2 and 3 I promise!!!!!!! My seats are fantastic so I am sure I will have good photo material for you Now about today.1. I am totally hoarse, I can hardly talk, I almost lost my voice so now I am whispering mainly ROTFL2. Andreev - Gasquet.Oh boy, I am now officially announcing that I am in love with that Russian boy LOL Everyone knew he would lose but noose expected it to be so beautiful. He fought like a man, some shots were like wow!!!! He is a real character, it got very tense in the third set and there was a slight light of hope there for us but Gasquet is Gasquet and Igor got a bit too nervous on a tie-break in the third set but anyway.....IGOR YOU'RE MY HERO AND WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Kolya - Matheu. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!!!!!! This is exactly when I lost my voice.....First set was equal but Kolya took advantage of some mistakes Paul-Henri made and he won it 7:5. Then in the second it was all way too obvious. Kolya picked up and Matheu looked lost, way too many mistakes from the French and as a result Kolya takes it 6:2 and that's when the fun started...NOT!!!!!!!!! Kolya leads 3:0 in the third set, then 4:0, then it's 5:2 and Kolya is serving....he has 3 MATCH BALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Half an hour later it's 5:5 and everyone is like WTF????????????? Then he takes a medical break and I say "Oh nuts...that's it..." but my boy isn't that easy to beat 7:5 in the third set to Kolya and it's 1:1 in all!!!!!!!!!!!!THANK YOU KOLYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE GREAT AND WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!So tomorrow it's my teddy bear Misha Youzhny and my new love Igor Andreev against Llodra and Clement. GOOD LUCK BOYS!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL BE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!! I got to chat a little with Misha after Kolya's match and got his autograph too , he is such a darling!!!!!I am very lucky coz I sit right next to the extrance of players, so I see everyone really close!!!!Some funny observations today:Misha has something up his patata all the time ROTFL, the guy cannot sit still for a second, I am telling you!!! He's always turning, looking at someone, talking to someone, jumping up and down..hilarious!!!Gasquet has his hand in his mouth 24/7!!!! That guy is constantly biting his nails!!!! LOLPhew...I am so excited I have no idea how I am going to sleep tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!More reports on Monday and GO RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!KISSES EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!
From Heaven to Hell and Back in 72 hours
Well, my dearest friends, sit down, fasten your seatbelts and we're off to re-live last weekend at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow. This is part 2 of my DC report and I apologise from the start if it may come too long, but God knows how many feelings and emotions I have piled up inside of me I also apologise for the quality of photos I am going to post a bit later, but the lighting in that place is awful for taking photos and my camera is not a professional or a big one, so some are not too good. I am going to scatter them around the message board. Group photos I will post them here, photos of separate players alone I shall post in their respective threads in Dinara and Other Players. Enjoy!!!!
Saturday, July 16. Hell breaks lose
Woke up in the morning in a brilliant mood, sun was shining, birds were singing, I got up, had my breakfast, got dressed, got my camera (!!! yay!!!!) and off I went. The score was 1:1 and I had all the reasons in the world to be optimistic.
So I got to the Stadium, went to my seat, the madness started. Teams came out and the crowd went wild. Tension was very high, you could see Igor being on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Poor thing, I mean he played his first match ever for Russia on Friday and lost, so I think he was really determined not to let the team down again. My Teddy Bear Misha was his usual self. Confident, serious and always having conversations...with himself LOL or with Igor. I must say that this is not the first time I watched Misha play doubles live and I must absolutely certainly say that in doubles he is really something. The way he winds himself and his partner up is incredible, if his partner makes a mistake, he is always cheering him up, always talking to his partner....marvellous...a real character.
At a certain point the game got a bit ugly, it is inevitable in doubles I guess, but you should have seen the atmosphere...Llodra made a few shots and they all went straight into Misha's body (once a bit below the waist actually and I was getting VERY worried there ), poor thing apologised about 600 times but Misha won't be Misha if it didn't drive him insane. For about half an hour after that Teddy Bear performed miracles....smashes one after another, into feet of Frenchmen, their bodies, everywhere...the guy was on a roll!!!!!!! Too bad it ended quickly and he calmed down, because at one point I thought he was going to kill them lol....WELL you all know the result of that one...it was soooooo sad. Misha was shattered, Igor just tried too hard to do well and....mistakes...quite too many...BUT the public was grateful. Noone could have said they didn't do their best or they didn't play full strength...it's just that Llodra and Clement are much better doubles players and Russia for many years now haven't had a stable doubles pair, but the boys were great.....it was indeed a sad sad day.
Sunday, July 17. Back to Heaven we go or Who Is Gasquet Again?
I went to bed at 1am on the night from Saturday to Sunday. I woke up at 5am and that was it, didn't sleep for a split second. I was feeling so sick with anxiety I didn't know what to do with myself. I got up, made tea and couldn't drink it. Tried to have breakfast and couldn't, tried to watch TV, but ermm don't remember what was showing. I was feeling so sick, I wanted to go to the loo and throw up (I'll be honest with you I tried LOL..didn't work..ewww) Hubby had to work on Sunday so he left early and I started to get ready. I was ironing the DC t-shirt I had bought the day before and I actually realised that I am reminding myself of a warrior getting ready for a battle Seriously, I have no idea what on earth was going through Kolya's and Igor's minds that day because me being just a fan....well I don't wish my state upon my worst enemy...
I got to the stadium (don't ask me how, I don't remember) and the worst thing hapenned. I was in my seat and in front of me there were these 2 men, I think one of them was a tennis coach or something, and they started going on and on how they don't see Russia getting a single point today and how both matches would be lost. On any other day I would have kept my mouth shut but not yesterday. I excused myself and told them that I am actually wondering WTF were they doing there in the first place if they were so certain. With an attitude like that, this was not the place to be, and even if they think it is, I asked them to keep their little "I know it all" talk to themselves, because we, the fans are not really amused sitting their listening to their "optimistic" rambles. I think they so didn't expect it that they actually apologised ROTFL I wished it all stopped there and then but another riot between me and some fans took place later (LMAO I was on a roll!!!!) but I'll get to it later
So Kolya and Gasquet were up first. Half an hour into the match noone had any doubt of who the winner will be. Sickness went in an unidentifiable direction and I was my good old self screaming my gutts out It was a beautiful beautiful match. Kolya's strategic abilities are something out of this world. Gasquet??? The guy who beat Federer in Monte Carlo??? Not anymore...Gasquet is the guy Kolya Davydenko having a wrist injury smashed all over the CLAY court in Moscow Poor Richard looked so lost. He couldn't do anything and I mean anything...Kolya was saving balls, which were out of this world...it was incredible....I haven't seen anything so beautiful on a tennis court for a while now....amazing!!!!! So 4 sets later (6:2, 4:6, 6:2, 6:1 !!!!!!! ) it was 2:2 and the stadium was going wild......this is when I started to worry again....
I went outside for a ciggie and to call hubby to tell him the good news and as I was coming back I saw Igor in the hall going into the changing room. This was a sight I will never forget. Poor thing...he was green pale and looked sooooo nervous. I mean just think about it. You just turn 22, they tell you that this time you will HAVE to play for Russia and be a no 2 in the team after Kolya because Misha is still recovering from his leg injury and Marat is injured, and now your whole country is waiting for you to perform a miracle. Oh I felt sooooo sorry for him. A quarter of an hour later he got out of the changing room and we bumped into each other again, I smiled and told him "Good luck Igor. You can do it!", he turned, looked at me, smiled and said "Thank you.I'll do my best" That was a moment when I knew he would win. The amazing makeover that took place in the changing room (ermm a CHANGING room it was indeed) I don't know what it was...I don't know what the guys did to him but that look in his eyes was so devilish and naughty that I just knew he was more than ready for a battle.When Igor and Matheu got out on court, I cannot tell you what was going on in the Stadium, hell broke lose, the French fans with their drums, songs and cheers wearing the same t-shirts, waving flags, etc. could not be heard for the first time in 3 days, Russians went wild, all you could hear was "Russia!" and "Igor" and that kept going till the match finished. Before I tell you about the match I promised I would tell about that little riot I had. There were these 2 girls sitting next to me for all the 3 days and one of them was telling me how Igor is going to lose now and what an idiot Marat is to have started his knee treatment before DC when he could have easily done it after. Ermm I am not going to tell you my little speech I made but I guess you all have a pretty good idea ROTFL...
So it began...1:0, 2:0, 3:0, 4:0 that boy was unstoppable. He was on such a high that I think if you put a tank in front on him that day he would have moved it. I swear to God I never shouted so loudly in my entire life, I was up on my feet throughout the whole game and every time he came on the side of the court I was sitting behind, all you could hear was me weeping my lungs out (ermm the screaming story actually has a continuation but this will come later ). Half an hour later 6:0 and the crowd is even wilder than it was before...
Everything went right for Igor, everything!!! No matter what he did, it worked. Paul-Henry was in shatters, he was shocked, pissed off and totally disoriented. He managed to take his serve for the first time when it was 3:1 Igor leading in the second set And another hour later 6:0, 6:2, 6:1. The match point was a beauty...Igor hit an ace right into the line, fell flat on the ground and could not believe what he had done. Misha, Kolya and other boys all ran out on the court and started hugging, jumping and throwing each other in the air LOL....I just sat there motionless...I just felt like a ton fell off my shoulders and for a few seconds I couldn't move, I was feeling so tired LOL....then I got up on my chair with my feet and jumped and screamed and shouted like mad.... It was one of the brightest moments of my life. They have proved to themselves that they are worth something even without their number 1, they were so happy, and so were the fans.
I stayed behind after everyone had gone with a few other fans and it was great. I got autographs of Misha and Kolya and Igor. Kolya was in a real rush though and left straight after, Misha stayed roaming around for a while and I chatted to him a little, then we all waited for Igor to come out and when he did, I went to get my autograph and tell my congrats, I went up to him and told him "Well done!!! This really was something. You are our hero and we are really proud of you". He looked at me and said "God, I recognise your voice, you were cheering behind me throughout the whole game. You were incredible and a great help. Thank you". It is moments like these tennis fans should live for
Throughout the whole weekend I thought about Marat, how great it would have been if he was there even as just a spectator and support, but the thing is I know he WAS there, in his spirit he was always there....
I was going home with a massive grin on my face, with my autographs, photos and memories stuck in my bag and my head and I thought of Marat's comments after Misha's win in Bercy 3 years ago and I must say I totally agree....it was indeed better than sex LMAO
This is Annie' fan report.
Day 1
First of all my apologies to everyone who is waiting for photos but I have been a real idiot and left my camera yesterday at the office so there will be no photos from Day 1, but there will be many from days 2 and 3 I promise!!!!!!! My seats are fantastic so I am sure I will have good photo material for you Now about today.1. I am totally hoarse, I can hardly talk, I almost lost my voice so now I am whispering mainly ROTFL2. Andreev - Gasquet.Oh boy, I am now officially announcing that I am in love with that Russian boy LOL Everyone knew he would lose but noose expected it to be so beautiful. He fought like a man, some shots were like wow!!!! He is a real character, it got very tense in the third set and there was a slight light of hope there for us but Gasquet is Gasquet and Igor got a bit too nervous on a tie-break in the third set but anyway.....IGOR YOU'RE MY HERO AND WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Kolya - Matheu. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!!!!!! This is exactly when I lost my voice.....First set was equal but Kolya took advantage of some mistakes Paul-Henri made and he won it 7:5. Then in the second it was all way too obvious. Kolya picked up and Matheu looked lost, way too many mistakes from the French and as a result Kolya takes it 6:2 and that's when the fun started...NOT!!!!!!!!! Kolya leads 3:0 in the third set, then 4:0, then it's 5:2 and Kolya is serving....he has 3 MATCH BALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Half an hour later it's 5:5 and everyone is like WTF????????????? Then he takes a medical break and I say "Oh nuts...that's it..." but my boy isn't that easy to beat 7:5 in the third set to Kolya and it's 1:1 in all!!!!!!!!!!!!THANK YOU KOLYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE GREAT AND WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!So tomorrow it's my teddy bear Misha Youzhny and my new love Igor Andreev against Llodra and Clement. GOOD LUCK BOYS!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL BE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!! I got to chat a little with Misha after Kolya's match and got his autograph too , he is such a darling!!!!!I am very lucky coz I sit right next to the extrance of players, so I see everyone really close!!!!Some funny observations today:Misha has something up his patata all the time ROTFL, the guy cannot sit still for a second, I am telling you!!! He's always turning, looking at someone, talking to someone, jumping up and down..hilarious!!!Gasquet has his hand in his mouth 24/7!!!! That guy is constantly biting his nails!!!! LOLPhew...I am so excited I have no idea how I am going to sleep tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!More reports on Monday and GO RUSSIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!KISSES EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!
From Heaven to Hell and Back in 72 hours
Well, my dearest friends, sit down, fasten your seatbelts and we're off to re-live last weekend at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow. This is part 2 of my DC report and I apologise from the start if it may come too long, but God knows how many feelings and emotions I have piled up inside of me I also apologise for the quality of photos I am going to post a bit later, but the lighting in that place is awful for taking photos and my camera is not a professional or a big one, so some are not too good. I am going to scatter them around the message board. Group photos I will post them here, photos of separate players alone I shall post in their respective threads in Dinara and Other Players. Enjoy!!!!
Saturday, July 16. Hell breaks lose
Woke up in the morning in a brilliant mood, sun was shining, birds were singing, I got up, had my breakfast, got dressed, got my camera (!!! yay!!!!) and off I went. The score was 1:1 and I had all the reasons in the world to be optimistic.
So I got to the Stadium, went to my seat, the madness started. Teams came out and the crowd went wild. Tension was very high, you could see Igor being on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Poor thing, I mean he played his first match ever for Russia on Friday and lost, so I think he was really determined not to let the team down again. My Teddy Bear Misha was his usual self. Confident, serious and always having conversations...with himself LOL or with Igor. I must say that this is not the first time I watched Misha play doubles live and I must absolutely certainly say that in doubles he is really something. The way he winds himself and his partner up is incredible, if his partner makes a mistake, he is always cheering him up, always talking to his partner....marvellous...a real character.
At a certain point the game got a bit ugly, it is inevitable in doubles I guess, but you should have seen the atmosphere...Llodra made a few shots and they all went straight into Misha's body (once a bit below the waist actually and I was getting VERY worried there ), poor thing apologised about 600 times but Misha won't be Misha if it didn't drive him insane. For about half an hour after that Teddy Bear performed miracles....smashes one after another, into feet of Frenchmen, their bodies, everywhere...the guy was on a roll!!!!!!! Too bad it ended quickly and he calmed down, because at one point I thought he was going to kill them lol....WELL you all know the result of that one...it was soooooo sad. Misha was shattered, Igor just tried too hard to do well and....mistakes...quite too many...BUT the public was grateful. Noone could have said they didn't do their best or they didn't play full strength...it's just that Llodra and Clement are much better doubles players and Russia for many years now haven't had a stable doubles pair, but the boys were great.....it was indeed a sad sad day.
Sunday, July 17. Back to Heaven we go or Who Is Gasquet Again?
I went to bed at 1am on the night from Saturday to Sunday. I woke up at 5am and that was it, didn't sleep for a split second. I was feeling so sick with anxiety I didn't know what to do with myself. I got up, made tea and couldn't drink it. Tried to have breakfast and couldn't, tried to watch TV, but ermm don't remember what was showing. I was feeling so sick, I wanted to go to the loo and throw up (I'll be honest with you I tried LOL..didn't work..ewww) Hubby had to work on Sunday so he left early and I started to get ready. I was ironing the DC t-shirt I had bought the day before and I actually realised that I am reminding myself of a warrior getting ready for a battle Seriously, I have no idea what on earth was going through Kolya's and Igor's minds that day because me being just a fan....well I don't wish my state upon my worst enemy...
I got to the stadium (don't ask me how, I don't remember) and the worst thing hapenned. I was in my seat and in front of me there were these 2 men, I think one of them was a tennis coach or something, and they started going on and on how they don't see Russia getting a single point today and how both matches would be lost. On any other day I would have kept my mouth shut but not yesterday. I excused myself and told them that I am actually wondering WTF were they doing there in the first place if they were so certain. With an attitude like that, this was not the place to be, and even if they think it is, I asked them to keep their little "I know it all" talk to themselves, because we, the fans are not really amused sitting their listening to their "optimistic" rambles. I think they so didn't expect it that they actually apologised ROTFL I wished it all stopped there and then but another riot between me and some fans took place later (LMAO I was on a roll!!!!) but I'll get to it later
So Kolya and Gasquet were up first. Half an hour into the match noone had any doubt of who the winner will be. Sickness went in an unidentifiable direction and I was my good old self screaming my gutts out It was a beautiful beautiful match. Kolya's strategic abilities are something out of this world. Gasquet??? The guy who beat Federer in Monte Carlo??? Not anymore...Gasquet is the guy Kolya Davydenko having a wrist injury smashed all over the CLAY court in Moscow Poor Richard looked so lost. He couldn't do anything and I mean anything...Kolya was saving balls, which were out of this world...it was incredible....I haven't seen anything so beautiful on a tennis court for a while now....amazing!!!!! So 4 sets later (6:2, 4:6, 6:2, 6:1 !!!!!!! ) it was 2:2 and the stadium was going wild......this is when I started to worry again....
I went outside for a ciggie and to call hubby to tell him the good news and as I was coming back I saw Igor in the hall going into the changing room. This was a sight I will never forget. Poor thing...he was green pale and looked sooooo nervous. I mean just think about it. You just turn 22, they tell you that this time you will HAVE to play for Russia and be a no 2 in the team after Kolya because Misha is still recovering from his leg injury and Marat is injured, and now your whole country is waiting for you to perform a miracle. Oh I felt sooooo sorry for him. A quarter of an hour later he got out of the changing room and we bumped into each other again, I smiled and told him "Good luck Igor. You can do it!", he turned, looked at me, smiled and said "Thank you.I'll do my best" That was a moment when I knew he would win. The amazing makeover that took place in the changing room (ermm a CHANGING room it was indeed) I don't know what it was...I don't know what the guys did to him but that look in his eyes was so devilish and naughty that I just knew he was more than ready for a battle.When Igor and Matheu got out on court, I cannot tell you what was going on in the Stadium, hell broke lose, the French fans with their drums, songs and cheers wearing the same t-shirts, waving flags, etc. could not be heard for the first time in 3 days, Russians went wild, all you could hear was "Russia!" and "Igor" and that kept going till the match finished. Before I tell you about the match I promised I would tell about that little riot I had. There were these 2 girls sitting next to me for all the 3 days and one of them was telling me how Igor is going to lose now and what an idiot Marat is to have started his knee treatment before DC when he could have easily done it after. Ermm I am not going to tell you my little speech I made but I guess you all have a pretty good idea ROTFL...
So it began...1:0, 2:0, 3:0, 4:0 that boy was unstoppable. He was on such a high that I think if you put a tank in front on him that day he would have moved it. I swear to God I never shouted so loudly in my entire life, I was up on my feet throughout the whole game and every time he came on the side of the court I was sitting behind, all you could hear was me weeping my lungs out (ermm the screaming story actually has a continuation but this will come later ). Half an hour later 6:0 and the crowd is even wilder than it was before...
Everything went right for Igor, everything!!! No matter what he did, it worked. Paul-Henry was in shatters, he was shocked, pissed off and totally disoriented. He managed to take his serve for the first time when it was 3:1 Igor leading in the second set And another hour later 6:0, 6:2, 6:1. The match point was a beauty...Igor hit an ace right into the line, fell flat on the ground and could not believe what he had done. Misha, Kolya and other boys all ran out on the court and started hugging, jumping and throwing each other in the air LOL....I just sat there motionless...I just felt like a ton fell off my shoulders and for a few seconds I couldn't move, I was feeling so tired LOL....then I got up on my chair with my feet and jumped and screamed and shouted like mad.... It was one of the brightest moments of my life. They have proved to themselves that they are worth something even without their number 1, they were so happy, and so were the fans.
I stayed behind after everyone had gone with a few other fans and it was great. I got autographs of Misha and Kolya and Igor. Kolya was in a real rush though and left straight after, Misha stayed roaming around for a while and I chatted to him a little, then we all waited for Igor to come out and when he did, I went to get my autograph and tell my congrats, I went up to him and told him "Well done!!! This really was something. You are our hero and we are really proud of you". He looked at me and said "God, I recognise your voice, you were cheering behind me throughout the whole game. You were incredible and a great help. Thank you". It is moments like these tennis fans should live for
Throughout the whole weekend I thought about Marat, how great it would have been if he was there even as just a spectator and support, but the thing is I know he WAS there, in his spirit he was always there....
I was going home with a massive grin on my face, with my autographs, photos and memories stuck in my bag and my head and I thought of Marat's comments after Misha's win in Bercy 3 years ago and I must say I totally agree....it was indeed better than sex LMAO
This is Annie' fan report.
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