Davydenko and Melzer to Meet in Final

20. Mai, 2005• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •Davydenko and Melzer to Meet in Final• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Local favorite Jurgen Melzer and top seed Nikolay Davydenko advanced at the Internationaler BTM-Power Grand Prix on Friday to reach their first ATP final of the year .
Melzer was the first player to clinch a final berth, recording a straight-set victory over in-form Belgian Christophe Rochus.
Seeded No. 4, the 23-year-old Austrian, who was playing in his third semifinal of the year (San Jose, Houston) needed 1 hour, 11 minutes to defeat Rochus, 6-4, 6-3.
In the second semifinal, top seed Nikolay Davydenko recorded a third career win over Argentine Jose Acasuso to advance to his first final of the year.
Davydenko, who has shown great form on the European clay in the past weeks, having reached the semifinals of Barcelona and Hamburg, booked his place in the final with a 6-4, 6-2 win in 1 hour, 20 minutes.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: “In the first set I wasn't feeling great. I wasn't concentrating at ll on the match, my body was tired and feeling strange but I managed to win it in the end which made things easier.
In the second set, I got more into the match, started to play and feel better and foughtevery single point which allowed me to close the match easily.”
About playing Jurgen Melzer in the final: “I expect a difficult match tomorrow but I think that if I am not tired and fit I can win any match. I will definitely try to be more concentrated and not make any silly mistake.”
Melzer: "What made the difference today is that I played much better than the last couple of days, and from the very beginning I put a lot of pressure on his serve forcing him to come up with good shots to hold serves. When we were rallying from the baseline I tried to come in as much as possible and it worked well. I know I don't play everyday like, but I really feel that today there is not much to say about my game.”
About being in his second career final: “It will be for sure a tough match for me because I lost to both guys once this year. If I play like today I really think I can win this match, and especially in front of the home crowd, I am going to do everything I can to win.”
On his condition: “It has been a tough week for me. I have played many matches in singles and doubles. I am still in both draws, but when you are in front on home crowd, everything is fine.”
FINAL PREVIEW:
No. 4 seed Jurgen Melzer is looking to lift a first career trophy in front of his home crowd when he takes on top seed Nikolay Davydenko.
23-year-old Melzer, who is playing in his second career final after Newport 2003 (l. to Robby Ginepri) is hoping to record a first career win over the Russian from Moscow, to whom he has previously lost once (2005 ATP Masters Series Monte-Carlo).
Melzer, who is playing in St. Poelten for the fifth time, recorded his best result in 2004 when he lost in the semifinals against Xavier Malisse, and now holds a 9-4 singles record at the tournament.
Currently ranked No. 10 in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race, Davydenko is hoping to clinch a first title of 2005 and fifth overall career title (Adelaide, Estoril – 2003; Munich, Moscow – 2004).
The 2003 St. Poelten finalist (l. to Andy Roddick), is looking on Saturday to improve his 2005 record to 27-14.
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