ATP TOUR 2005
DAVYDENKO ENDS MELZER RUN
Russian Nikolay Davydenko ruined Jurgen Melzer's great week by overcoming a poor second set to defeat the Austrian 6-3 2-6 6-4 to win the International Raiffeisen Grand Prix on Saturday.
Davydenko held a 3-0 lead in the decisive set, but Melzer fought back to win the next three games. The players held serve until the Russian broke Melzer's serve in the final game.
"I came back from 3-0 down in the third set but unfortunately he didn't let me use the momentum and he played great tennis," Melzer said.
Fourth-seeded 23-year-old Melzer was aiming for his first career ATP title. His only prior final came at Newport two years ago.
Davydenko, who had not dropped a set in winning his first four matches here, won his fifth ATP tournament overall and first this year.
"It feels great to finally win a first trophy this year," Davydenko said.
"This final was really difficult but I am feeling great at the moment and my confidence level is good, which is the most important thing."
The Russian, who won events at Munich and Moscow in 2004, lost in the final here to American Andy Roddick in 2003.
In their only previous encounter, at Monte Carlo last month, the 23-year-old Davydenko beat Melzer in the first round 5-7 6-1 6-3.
Both players are heading to Paris to the French Open, which begins on Monday.
"Before Roland Garros this is great for the confidence, although it is a little bit hard physically," Davydenko said.
"The day after tomorrow I could be playing my first round in Paris, and it doesn't give me much time to celebrate and fully recover from this week."
"This is definitely a great week and a confidence boost before the Roland Garros, but it also means a lack of fitness in Paris," Melzer said.
"I played many matches this week, a lot of three setters and both singles and doubles, it is a lot of matches."
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=international_feed/05/05/21/manual_185355.html&YEAR=2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
RUSEDSKI FALLS AT FINAL HURDLE
ATP TOUR 2004
RUSEDSKI FALLS AT FINAL HURDLE
Greg Rusedski blew three match points in the deciding set as Nikolay Davydenko staged a brilliant escape act to capture the Kremlin Cup title.
Competing in Moscow for only the second time, having been beaten in the first round when competing as a Canadian in 1994, the British number two was on the brink of victory against his Russian opponent.
But Davydenko found extra strength and pulled off a 3-6 6-3 7-5 victory.
"I had match points and I guess it was supposed to be his week," said Rusedski.
Rusedski led by a break at the start of the decider, then after being dragged back onto level terms he had Davydenko in deep trouble when the Russian was serving at 5-4 down, with three separate break points against him.
Unable to capitalise on either opportunity, Rusedski urgently needed to put in an immaculate service game to make Davydenko again serve to stay in the match, but he fell apart.
Davydenko charged to 40-love on the Rusedski serve, and although two break points went by the wayside, the third was snaffled up and he led 6-5.
"That's the way it goes sometimes," added Rusedski.
"My aim was to win this tournament and I'm obviously disappointed having wasted three match points."
To the delight of the Muscovites, Davydenko served out for the match, to deny Rusedski the chance of a second title in 2004.
Rusedski triumphed at Newport, Rhode Island, in July, a result which saw him re-enter the top 100, and results since then meant victory would have lifted him to the brink of the top 50 - as well as securing him a 15th career title.
All looked to be going well when Rusedski, unseeded and chasing his fourth seeded victim of the week, took the opening set.
He claimed a decisive break of serve in the fourth game and fended off Davydenko's bid to hit straight back.
That dampened the hopes of a home win double, Anastasia Myskina having earlier prevailed in an all-Russian women's final against Elena Dementieva.
Rusedski, 31, has been through a difficult year, which began with him having to defend himself after a drug test revealed nandrolone in his system.
Since being cleared of a doping offence by the ATP in March, however, Rusedski's improvement has been encouraging.
"Obviously it has been a positive week, winning four matches and getting to the final," Rusedski told BBC Sport Online.
And despite frustrating results in the four Grand Slam tournaments, in which he won just one match, this week has confirmed the British number two as a power to be reckoned with again.
But after the Briton edged ahead, eighth seed Davydenko made the best possible start to the second set, holding his own serve and then breaking Rusedski to establish early charge.
That was the only break of the second set as Davydenko never wavered on his own serve.
Rusedski, looking to make amends for a sloppy set, darted into a 2-0 lead in the decider but then missed a break point for 3-0 and was soon hauled back to 2-2.
Serves then dominated until the 10th game.
If it had been nervy up to that stage, then soon it was to become a nailbiter.
Davydenko faltered, and Rusedski had three separate match points, to secure an £80,000 winner's cheque and a stack of world ranking points, as well as the prestige of holding aloft another trophy.
For Rusedski the consolation was £60,000 for his week's work and elevation into the top 60, but not the title he craved and came so close to.
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=tennis/04/10/17/TENNIS_Rusedski_Lead.html&YEAR=2004
RUSEDSKI FALLS AT FINAL HURDLE
Greg Rusedski blew three match points in the deciding set as Nikolay Davydenko staged a brilliant escape act to capture the Kremlin Cup title.
Competing in Moscow for only the second time, having been beaten in the first round when competing as a Canadian in 1994, the British number two was on the brink of victory against his Russian opponent.
But Davydenko found extra strength and pulled off a 3-6 6-3 7-5 victory.
"I had match points and I guess it was supposed to be his week," said Rusedski.
Rusedski led by a break at the start of the decider, then after being dragged back onto level terms he had Davydenko in deep trouble when the Russian was serving at 5-4 down, with three separate break points against him.
Unable to capitalise on either opportunity, Rusedski urgently needed to put in an immaculate service game to make Davydenko again serve to stay in the match, but he fell apart.
Davydenko charged to 40-love on the Rusedski serve, and although two break points went by the wayside, the third was snaffled up and he led 6-5.
"That's the way it goes sometimes," added Rusedski.
"My aim was to win this tournament and I'm obviously disappointed having wasted three match points."
To the delight of the Muscovites, Davydenko served out for the match, to deny Rusedski the chance of a second title in 2004.
Rusedski triumphed at Newport, Rhode Island, in July, a result which saw him re-enter the top 100, and results since then meant victory would have lifted him to the brink of the top 50 - as well as securing him a 15th career title.
All looked to be going well when Rusedski, unseeded and chasing his fourth seeded victim of the week, took the opening set.
He claimed a decisive break of serve in the fourth game and fended off Davydenko's bid to hit straight back.
That dampened the hopes of a home win double, Anastasia Myskina having earlier prevailed in an all-Russian women's final against Elena Dementieva.
Rusedski, 31, has been through a difficult year, which began with him having to defend himself after a drug test revealed nandrolone in his system.
Since being cleared of a doping offence by the ATP in March, however, Rusedski's improvement has been encouraging.
"Obviously it has been a positive week, winning four matches and getting to the final," Rusedski told BBC Sport Online.
And despite frustrating results in the four Grand Slam tournaments, in which he won just one match, this week has confirmed the British number two as a power to be reckoned with again.
But after the Briton edged ahead, eighth seed Davydenko made the best possible start to the second set, holding his own serve and then breaking Rusedski to establish early charge.
That was the only break of the second set as Davydenko never wavered on his own serve.
Rusedski, looking to make amends for a sloppy set, darted into a 2-0 lead in the decider but then missed a break point for 3-0 and was soon hauled back to 2-2.
Serves then dominated until the 10th game.
If it had been nervy up to that stage, then soon it was to become a nailbiter.
Davydenko faltered, and Rusedski had three separate match points, to secure an £80,000 winner's cheque and a stack of world ranking points, as well as the prestige of holding aloft another trophy.
For Rusedski the consolation was £60,000 for his week's work and elevation into the top 60, but not the title he craved and came so close to.
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=tennis/04/10/17/TENNIS_Rusedski_Lead.html&YEAR=2004
DAVYDENKO MOTORS TO BMW GLORY
ATP TOUR 2004
DAVYDENKO MOTORS TO BMW GLORY
Nikolay Davydenko captured his third ATP title and first of the season after defeating Martin Verkerk in the final of the BMW Open.
Unseeded Russian Davydenko, who won both his previous titles last year in Adelaide and Estoril, claimed the championship with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Dutchman Verkerk in one hour 38 minutes.
The 22-year-old managed to break Verkerk's serve once in each set, in the fifth game of the first set and in the 11th game of the second, without losing his own serve once in the match.
On his way to victory, Davydenko defeated top-seed Rainer Schuttler in the quarter-finals, Andrei Pavel in the first round, as well as Victor Hanescu and Luis Horna.
He becomes the second Russian winner of the BMW Open after Andrei Chesnokov captured the title in 1989.
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=tennis/04/05/02/manual_211117.html&YEAR=2004
DAVYDENKO MOTORS TO BMW GLORY
Nikolay Davydenko captured his third ATP title and first of the season after defeating Martin Verkerk in the final of the BMW Open.
Unseeded Russian Davydenko, who won both his previous titles last year in Adelaide and Estoril, claimed the championship with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Dutchman Verkerk in one hour 38 minutes.
The 22-year-old managed to break Verkerk's serve once in each set, in the fifth game of the first set and in the 11th game of the second, without losing his own serve once in the match.
On his way to victory, Davydenko defeated top-seed Rainer Schuttler in the quarter-finals, Andrei Pavel in the first round, as well as Victor Hanescu and Luis Horna.
He becomes the second Russian winner of the BMW Open after Andrei Chesnokov captured the title in 1989.
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=tennis/04/05/02/manual_211117.html&YEAR=2004
ESTORIL JOY FOR DAVYDENKO
ATP TOUR 2003
ESTORIL JOY FOR DAVYDENKO
Russian Nikolay Davydenko claimed his second title in three months on Sunday with a straight-sets victory over Argentinian Agustin Calleri at the Estoril Open.
Davydenko posted a 6-4 6-3 victory in just 76 minutes on a windy day for his first career claycourt championship.
The 21-year-old, who ousted countryman and sixth seed Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the quarter-finals, improved to 13-10 on the year. He began 2003 with a hardcourt title in Adelaide.
After Adelaide, Davydenko's luck took a turn for the worse as he failed to advance past the quarter-finals in five straight tournaments and suffered a broken left wrist against Magnus Norman at Memphis in February.
While out for a month, he trained using only his forehand and speeded up the recovery. But a return in Miami resulted in a first-round defeat, followed by another in Russia's embarrassing 5-0 Davis Cup loss to Argentina.
"After my injury, I lose two matches, then I win a tournament. I got into the top 50, so this is an important week for me," Davydenko said.
The 26-year-old Calleri saved two match points before hitting a backhand into the net.
"I tried to make no mistakes and tried to force him to go for winners," said Davydenko, who warmed up indoors before battling the wind.
"I didn't feel so great, and I couldn't think about winning. The first set was tough to play, but I don't know what happened in the second - he seemed to have no concentration.
"I'm happy. Any time you win a tournament, it's great."
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=international_feed/03/04/13/TENNIS_Por-Estoril_Nightlead.html&YEAR=2003
ESTORIL JOY FOR DAVYDENKO
Russian Nikolay Davydenko claimed his second title in three months on Sunday with a straight-sets victory over Argentinian Agustin Calleri at the Estoril Open.
Davydenko posted a 6-4 6-3 victory in just 76 minutes on a windy day for his first career claycourt championship.
The 21-year-old, who ousted countryman and sixth seed Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the quarter-finals, improved to 13-10 on the year. He began 2003 with a hardcourt title in Adelaide.
After Adelaide, Davydenko's luck took a turn for the worse as he failed to advance past the quarter-finals in five straight tournaments and suffered a broken left wrist against Magnus Norman at Memphis in February.
While out for a month, he trained using only his forehand and speeded up the recovery. But a return in Miami resulted in a first-round defeat, followed by another in Russia's embarrassing 5-0 Davis Cup loss to Argentina.
"After my injury, I lose two matches, then I win a tournament. I got into the top 50, so this is an important week for me," Davydenko said.
The 26-year-old Calleri saved two match points before hitting a backhand into the net.
"I tried to make no mistakes and tried to force him to go for winners," said Davydenko, who warmed up indoors before battling the wind.
"I didn't feel so great, and I couldn't think about winning. The first set was tough to play, but I don't know what happened in the second - he seemed to have no concentration.
"I'm happy. Any time you win a tournament, it's great."
http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=international_feed/03/04/13/TENNIS_Por-Estoril_Nightlead.html&YEAR=2003
DAVYDENKO NETS FIRST TITLE
ATP TOUR 2003
DAVYDENKO NETS FIRST TITLE
Russia's Nikolay Davydenko claimed his first ever ATP Tour title with victory over Kristof Vliegen in Adelaide on Sunday.
Davydenko defeated the Belgian qualifier, another final debutant, 6-2 7-6 (7-3) to capture the AAPT Championships hardcourt event.
The 21-year-old Davydenko, who turned professional in 2000 and is ranked 81st in the world, recorded upsets over fourth seed Ivan Ljubicic, fifth seed Mariano Zabaleta and veteran Adrian Voinea this week.
His five ATP match victories in this event equal almost half of his total of 12 last year.
Davydenko broke serve in the fifth and seventh games of the match and took the first set in 31 minutes. He snatched Vliegen's serve in the fifth game of the second set and was serving for the match at 5-4 before getting the jitters.
"As I said yesterday, I could be nervous because it was my first title, and at 5-4 it happened," Davydenko said. "I was nervous, but I just tried to relax in the tie-break."
He added: "Some players are in the top 100 and never get a title, so for me to win my first title at 21 is good."
This week also marked a breakthrough for Vliegen, who had not won a main draw ATP match before this event.
The 20-year-old Belgian came through qualifying and ousted third seed Thomas Enqvist, sixth seed Alberto Martin and former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek en route to his first final.
"Even though I lost, the final for me was positive," said Vliegen. "I know what I have to work on."
http://www.sporting-life.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=international_feed/03/01/05/TENNIS_Aus-Adelaide.html&YEAR=2003
DAVYDENKO NETS FIRST TITLE
Russia's Nikolay Davydenko claimed his first ever ATP Tour title with victory over Kristof Vliegen in Adelaide on Sunday.
Davydenko defeated the Belgian qualifier, another final debutant, 6-2 7-6 (7-3) to capture the AAPT Championships hardcourt event.
The 21-year-old Davydenko, who turned professional in 2000 and is ranked 81st in the world, recorded upsets over fourth seed Ivan Ljubicic, fifth seed Mariano Zabaleta and veteran Adrian Voinea this week.
His five ATP match victories in this event equal almost half of his total of 12 last year.
Davydenko broke serve in the fifth and seventh games of the match and took the first set in 31 minutes. He snatched Vliegen's serve in the fifth game of the second set and was serving for the match at 5-4 before getting the jitters.
"As I said yesterday, I could be nervous because it was my first title, and at 5-4 it happened," Davydenko said. "I was nervous, but I just tried to relax in the tie-break."
He added: "Some players are in the top 100 and never get a title, so for me to win my first title at 21 is good."
This week also marked a breakthrough for Vliegen, who had not won a main draw ATP match before this event.
The 20-year-old Belgian came through qualifying and ousted third seed Thomas Enqvist, sixth seed Alberto Martin and former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek en route to his first final.
"Even though I lost, the final for me was positive," said Vliegen. "I know what I have to work on."
http://www.sporting-life.com/tennis/atptour/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=international_feed/03/01/05/TENNIS_Aus-Adelaide.html&YEAR=2003
Designers look back for inspiration to create next generation of tennis rackets
Designers look back for inspiration to create next generation of tennis rackets
By KRYSTYNA RUDZKI, AP Sports WriterJune 26, 2005
...All the major manufacturers released new rackets for the professional season at the Australian Open, but most tennis players are reluctant to switch rackets in the middle of the year.
Nikolay Davydenko went from Head to Prince just after the Rome Masters in May. Later that month, he reached the semifinals of the Hamburg Masters, and won at St. Poelten. He then reached the semifinals of the French Open -- his best Grand Slam showing.
He retired from Wimbledon in the second round with a wrist injury...
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-rackettechnology&prov=ap&type=lgns
By KRYSTYNA RUDZKI, AP Sports WriterJune 26, 2005
...All the major manufacturers released new rackets for the professional season at the Australian Open, but most tennis players are reluctant to switch rackets in the middle of the year.
Nikolay Davydenko went from Head to Prince just after the Rome Masters in May. Later that month, he reached the semifinals of the Hamburg Masters, and won at St. Poelten. He then reached the semifinals of the French Open -- his best Grand Slam showing.
He retired from Wimbledon in the second round with a wrist injury...
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=ap-rackettechnology&prov=ap&type=lgns
Wrist injury scuppers eighth seed Davydenko
Wrist injury scuppers eighth seed Davydenko
LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - Russian eighth seed Nikolay Davydenko retired injured from his second-round match against Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman at Wimbledon on Wednesday.
Right-hander Davydenko was leading 7-6 2-1 on Court Two when he decided to quit after receiving treatment on his right wrist.
The 24-year-old had reached the second round of the grasscourt grand slam for the first time.
Bjorkman, the 33-year-old ranked 97 in the world, will play either Frenchman Jean-Rene Lisnard or another Russian, Mikhail Youzhny, in round three.
Updated on Wednesday, Jun 22, 2005 11:24 am EDT
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-wimbledondavydenko_picture&prov=reuters&type=lgns
LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - Russian eighth seed Nikolay Davydenko retired injured from his second-round match against Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman at Wimbledon on Wednesday.
Right-hander Davydenko was leading 7-6 2-1 on Court Two when he decided to quit after receiving treatment on his right wrist.
The 24-year-old had reached the second round of the grasscourt grand slam for the first time.
Bjorkman, the 33-year-old ranked 97 in the world, will play either Frenchman Jean-Rene Lisnard or another Russian, Mikhail Youzhny, in round three.
Updated on Wednesday, Jun 22, 2005 11:24 am EDT
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-wimbledondavydenko_picture&prov=reuters&type=lgns
Davydenko Arranges Russia's Trip to Argentina with Dramatic Victory
Davydenko Arranges Russia's Trip to Argentina with Dramatic Victory
Russia has begun its quest to defend the Davis Cup title in the best way and Nikolay Davydenko is the new Russian tennis hero. Davydenko, ranked No. 62 on the Entry Ranking, won the decisive fifth match of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group first round tie between Czech Republic and Russia when he beat Radek Stepanek, ranked No. 55, 16 76(4) 62 36 60.The match was pretty important for both competitors, each playing the Davis Cup for the first time in their careers. "I am really very happy because this is one of the biggest days of my career. This tie was broadcast to Russia so now everybody at home knows not only Safin, Kafelnikov and Youzhny but also me", Davydenko smiled. It was only his second five-set match and the first he had won. "But it was so hard, not only physically but psychologically. I knew that if I lose my team lose, too." But it was the Czech player who had a better start to the match. Serving and moving well on the clay court, Stepanek didn't give his opponent many chances in the first set. But Davydenko played very patiently. He gradually played more aggressively and with more power, started to serve well and his forehand was his killer shot. "I was a little bit nervous before the match but not when I stepped on the court. I was just surprised how well Stepanek played in the first set," Davydenko said. "I felt pretty good at the beginning of the match playing some of my best tennis," Stepanek said. "The important thing was that I didn't convert some break points in the second set." The Czech tried to make Davydenko run but the Russian’s down-the-line shots and targeted angles were too much for him. Stepanek lost the tiebreak of the second set and the next four games in a row. "Davydenko played some incredible shots at that time", he said.After losing the third set, Stepanek started to play more aggressively, carving a 4-1 lead in the fourth set, and with the support of 5,000 noisy fans behind him he won the set, making Davydenko run with his use of dropshots. But the Czech No. 2 lost all his energy and courage in the deciding set. No longer taking risks, he couldn't succeed with Davydenko making hardly any mistakes towards the end of the match. The 60 result of the fifth set was probably too cruel for the home team – all the Czech Republic’s losses in Davis Cup since 1998 have been in a decisive fifth rubber. Russia will play the quarterfinals in Argentina and Davydenko is an optimist. "Everybody in Russia thinks that we don't have a chance but I don't agree. Together with Marat Safin and Mikhail Youzhny we are a pretty strong team although Yevgeny Kafelnikov doesn't want to play singles in Davis Cup any more.”
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=12319
Russia has begun its quest to defend the Davis Cup title in the best way and Nikolay Davydenko is the new Russian tennis hero. Davydenko, ranked No. 62 on the Entry Ranking, won the decisive fifth match of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group first round tie between Czech Republic and Russia when he beat Radek Stepanek, ranked No. 55, 16 76(4) 62 36 60.The match was pretty important for both competitors, each playing the Davis Cup for the first time in their careers. "I am really very happy because this is one of the biggest days of my career. This tie was broadcast to Russia so now everybody at home knows not only Safin, Kafelnikov and Youzhny but also me", Davydenko smiled. It was only his second five-set match and the first he had won. "But it was so hard, not only physically but psychologically. I knew that if I lose my team lose, too." But it was the Czech player who had a better start to the match. Serving and moving well on the clay court, Stepanek didn't give his opponent many chances in the first set. But Davydenko played very patiently. He gradually played more aggressively and with more power, started to serve well and his forehand was his killer shot. "I was a little bit nervous before the match but not when I stepped on the court. I was just surprised how well Stepanek played in the first set," Davydenko said. "I felt pretty good at the beginning of the match playing some of my best tennis," Stepanek said. "The important thing was that I didn't convert some break points in the second set." The Czech tried to make Davydenko run but the Russian’s down-the-line shots and targeted angles were too much for him. Stepanek lost the tiebreak of the second set and the next four games in a row. "Davydenko played some incredible shots at that time", he said.After losing the third set, Stepanek started to play more aggressively, carving a 4-1 lead in the fourth set, and with the support of 5,000 noisy fans behind him he won the set, making Davydenko run with his use of dropshots. But the Czech No. 2 lost all his energy and courage in the deciding set. No longer taking risks, he couldn't succeed with Davydenko making hardly any mistakes towards the end of the match. The 60 result of the fifth set was probably too cruel for the home team – all the Czech Republic’s losses in Davis Cup since 1998 have been in a decisive fifth rubber. Russia will play the quarterfinals in Argentina and Davydenko is an optimist. "Everybody in Russia thinks that we don't have a chance but I don't agree. Together with Marat Safin and Mikhail Youzhny we are a pretty strong team although Yevgeny Kafelnikov doesn't want to play singles in Davis Cup any more.”
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=12319
David Beats Davydenko to Give Argentina 1-0 Lead
David Beats Davydenko to Give Argentina 1-0 Lead
David Nalbandian brushed aside a somewhat toothless challenge from Nikolay Davydenko to give Argentina the first rubber in this Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal between Argentina and Russia. The straight-sets victory was completed 62 62 75 in two hours twenty-two minutes, and if it wasn’t as one-sided as the scoreline suggests, it wasn’t far off either.Davydenko simply had no answer to Nalbandian’s depth, pace and consistency, and the match settled into a pattern that became all too predictable for Russian fans: long rallies in which Davydenko would eventually break down, either spraying a groundstroke long or wide, or netting rather tamely.The conditions here are certainly not for those who are mentally fragile. The stadium, a temporary affair of scaffolding and wood, nestles in the corner of the grounds of the Club Atletico River Plate. The River Plate football stadium looms large next to the court, while 8 lanes of traffic thunder along metres from the stand at one end. Add to that the railway lines in the middle of the highway – the train drivers like to sound their horn as they pass – and the fact that planes thunder into Jorge Newberry airport seemingly within touching distance of spectators in the upper rows, and it’s clear that immense concentration is needed by the players. In many ways it’s a smaller, South American version of Flushing Meadows.And of course all that is before you take the capacity and partisan Argentine crowd into account, who are spurred into passionate chants of ‘Argentina, Argentina!’ every time the small contingent of Russian fans blast their horns. In any case, Nalbandian played like a man who didn’t need the help of the fans or outside distractions to win today. He broke in the very first game to set the tone for the match, Davydenko’s missed backhand on the second break point a telling sign of what was to come.After surviving a break point in his first service game, Nalbandian took control of the set and quikly found himself 4-1 up. He saved another breakpoint before holding for 5-1, and then closed out the set 6-2, another backhand sailing wide from Davydenko on the second set point.There was no let up for the Russian in the second set, as he was forced to save yet another break point in the first game. But he couldn’t hold back the tide, and after 5 deuces in his next service game he finally gave away the break. Nalbandian consolidated, broke again at 4-2, and finished off the set – after a short break for a rain shower - to go 2-0 up.By now the match was being played under leaden skies and persistent light rain; Russian spirits didn’t need any more dampening. Nalbandian was 3-0 up before the next heavier shower forced another break; and 4-1 when the heavens really opened to stop play yet again, this time for longer.When play resumed after a break of about an hour, with both players sporting a fresh shirt complete with Team Identification, games went with serve until Nalbandian served for the match at 5-2. A loose game on his part allowed Davydenko a glimmer of hope, which he strengthened by holding for 4-5.Another poor game from the Argentine at 5-4 and suddenly the set was level at 5 all; perhaps the rain had not been merely a delay to a 1-0 lead for the home team. Davydenko, seemingly fortified by his opponent’s apparent nervousness and erratic play, was starting to hit the ball with more authority.And yet it still wasn’t to be for the Russian; Nalbandian managed to break for 6-5, despite playing tentatively, and at the third time of asking he served out for the match. His restrained celebration as a desperate lob from Davydenko landed beyond the baseline spoke clearly of relief that he had survived the Russian’s comeback."I played well throughout today," said Nalbandian later. When the natch started I had a tactic of playing high balls which didn't suit him and I think it worked."After the break he was a different player. He played deeper and he hit the ball better."He also looked ahead to the doubles tomorrow, in which he is scheduled to play alongside Lucas Arnold: "I think we have a big chance in the doubles. We know each other better nw and we complement each other well."Yevgeny Kafelnikov must now try to even things up for Russia as he takes on Gaston Gaudio.
David Nalbandian brushed aside a somewhat toothless challenge from Nikolay Davydenko to give Argentina the first rubber in this Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal between Argentina and Russia. The straight-sets victory was completed 62 62 75 in two hours twenty-two minutes, and if it wasn’t as one-sided as the scoreline suggests, it wasn’t far off either.Davydenko simply had no answer to Nalbandian’s depth, pace and consistency, and the match settled into a pattern that became all too predictable for Russian fans: long rallies in which Davydenko would eventually break down, either spraying a groundstroke long or wide, or netting rather tamely.The conditions here are certainly not for those who are mentally fragile. The stadium, a temporary affair of scaffolding and wood, nestles in the corner of the grounds of the Club Atletico River Plate. The River Plate football stadium looms large next to the court, while 8 lanes of traffic thunder along metres from the stand at one end. Add to that the railway lines in the middle of the highway – the train drivers like to sound their horn as they pass – and the fact that planes thunder into Jorge Newberry airport seemingly within touching distance of spectators in the upper rows, and it’s clear that immense concentration is needed by the players. In many ways it’s a smaller, South American version of Flushing Meadows.And of course all that is before you take the capacity and partisan Argentine crowd into account, who are spurred into passionate chants of ‘Argentina, Argentina!’ every time the small contingent of Russian fans blast their horns. In any case, Nalbandian played like a man who didn’t need the help of the fans or outside distractions to win today. He broke in the very first game to set the tone for the match, Davydenko’s missed backhand on the second break point a telling sign of what was to come.After surviving a break point in his first service game, Nalbandian took control of the set and quikly found himself 4-1 up. He saved another breakpoint before holding for 5-1, and then closed out the set 6-2, another backhand sailing wide from Davydenko on the second set point.There was no let up for the Russian in the second set, as he was forced to save yet another break point in the first game. But he couldn’t hold back the tide, and after 5 deuces in his next service game he finally gave away the break. Nalbandian consolidated, broke again at 4-2, and finished off the set – after a short break for a rain shower - to go 2-0 up.By now the match was being played under leaden skies and persistent light rain; Russian spirits didn’t need any more dampening. Nalbandian was 3-0 up before the next heavier shower forced another break; and 4-1 when the heavens really opened to stop play yet again, this time for longer.When play resumed after a break of about an hour, with both players sporting a fresh shirt complete with Team Identification, games went with serve until Nalbandian served for the match at 5-2. A loose game on his part allowed Davydenko a glimmer of hope, which he strengthened by holding for 4-5.Another poor game from the Argentine at 5-4 and suddenly the set was level at 5 all; perhaps the rain had not been merely a delay to a 1-0 lead for the home team. Davydenko, seemingly fortified by his opponent’s apparent nervousness and erratic play, was starting to hit the ball with more authority.And yet it still wasn’t to be for the Russian; Nalbandian managed to break for 6-5, despite playing tentatively, and at the third time of asking he served out for the match. His restrained celebration as a desperate lob from Davydenko landed beyond the baseline spoke clearly of relief that he had survived the Russian’s comeback."I played well throughout today," said Nalbandian later. When the natch started I had a tactic of playing high balls which didn't suit him and I think it worked."After the break he was a different player. He played deeper and he hit the ball better."He also looked ahead to the doubles tomorrow, in which he is scheduled to play alongside Lucas Arnold: "I think we have a big chance in the doubles. We know each other better nw and we complement each other well."Yevgeny Kafelnikov must now try to even things up for Russia as he takes on Gaston Gaudio.
Argentina Humiliate Defending Champions 5-0
Argentina Humiliate Defending Champions 5-0
Sporting excellence often goes hand in hand with a ruthless streak, and that is certainly what Argentina displayed here today to record a 5-0 whitewash victory over Russia in this Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal tie.Mariano Zabaleta and Mikhail Youzhny were brought in for David Nalbandian and the already departed Yevgeny Kafelnikov respectively in the first of the day’s rubbers. Zabaleta had never won a Davis Cup rubber before, but he was clearly determined to do so today, and possibly stake a claim for a place in the team for the semifinal.Playing confident, aggressive tennis from the outset, he took the first set 61, and seemed to be heading for a similarly comfortable scoreline in the second at 3-1 up. But a slight lapse in concentration let Youzhny back in, and he broke back.Zabaleta was not to be denied though, and some strong play saw him break again for 5-4. A fantastic backhand pass on matchpoint secured the rubber, to his obvious delight, 61 64 in just one hour eight minutes.Youzhny admitted that due to a wrist problem he was only able to play at 60% this weekend, but that he was pleased to have played today to get some valuable match-practice on clay."If Marat had been able to play three matches this weekend, and if I had been 100%, then maybe we could have won...but it would still have been very tough against Argentina here," he added.The final rubber saw Gaston Gaudio face Nikolay Davydenko in a match which produced some of the best tennis of the weekend, both men mixing aggression with some delicate touch play.The first set produced the first tie-break of the weekend, but once Gaudio took that seven points to four (he was never behind) the rubber was effectively over. To his credit Davydenko kept pressing in the second set, and Gaudio became clearly frustrated at his inability to close out the match quickly."I tried to fight for every ball today. For me it was important because next week I play in Estoril and I need to play better and fight better," said Davydenko.But despite the Russian's efforts Gaudio came through to record a 76(4) 63 victory, and in so doing created a little piece of history: since the inception of the World Group in 1981, no defending champion nation has lost a tie 5-0. Gaudio personally extended his impressive Davis Cup record to 13-1.For the Russians, this was a painful way to relinquish their hold on the Davis Cup, and the first time they have lost a tie 5-0 since as the USSR they lost to Spain in 1979. This is not a weekend of which they will have fond memories."I didn't expect this 5-0 [result], this is really unbelievable," said Argentine Captain Gustavo Luza. "Beating the last champion so...not easy, it wasn't easy, but with this score, I never dreamed it."Argentina has now repeated its semifinal showing of last year, but this time they will be hoping to go one further, although the formidable obstacle of Spain lies in their path. Like Argentina, Spain have played both of their ties this year at home and won them without the loss of a rubber: something will have to give when they meet.That semifinal will be played in Spain September 19-21, and although it will be away, it is likely that the Argentines will find themselves playing on their favoured clay courts."I think Spain is [the] favourite, because they have higher ranked players, their history, they are at home, but we are a very strong team, we are going to go there with a lot of humility and that is very dangerous for them," said Luza.Although Spain lead the head-to-head 1-0, that match was played in 1926 in Barcelona, ending in a 3-1 victory for the hosts. Appropriately enough, ‘Barcelona’ was the song heard over the stadium sound system as Argentina celebrated once more on court, under a warm sun that finally appeared today. Whether the sun will shine on them in Spain is another matter.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=12405
Sporting excellence often goes hand in hand with a ruthless streak, and that is certainly what Argentina displayed here today to record a 5-0 whitewash victory over Russia in this Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal tie.Mariano Zabaleta and Mikhail Youzhny were brought in for David Nalbandian and the already departed Yevgeny Kafelnikov respectively in the first of the day’s rubbers. Zabaleta had never won a Davis Cup rubber before, but he was clearly determined to do so today, and possibly stake a claim for a place in the team for the semifinal.Playing confident, aggressive tennis from the outset, he took the first set 61, and seemed to be heading for a similarly comfortable scoreline in the second at 3-1 up. But a slight lapse in concentration let Youzhny back in, and he broke back.Zabaleta was not to be denied though, and some strong play saw him break again for 5-4. A fantastic backhand pass on matchpoint secured the rubber, to his obvious delight, 61 64 in just one hour eight minutes.Youzhny admitted that due to a wrist problem he was only able to play at 60% this weekend, but that he was pleased to have played today to get some valuable match-practice on clay."If Marat had been able to play three matches this weekend, and if I had been 100%, then maybe we could have won...but it would still have been very tough against Argentina here," he added.The final rubber saw Gaston Gaudio face Nikolay Davydenko in a match which produced some of the best tennis of the weekend, both men mixing aggression with some delicate touch play.The first set produced the first tie-break of the weekend, but once Gaudio took that seven points to four (he was never behind) the rubber was effectively over. To his credit Davydenko kept pressing in the second set, and Gaudio became clearly frustrated at his inability to close out the match quickly."I tried to fight for every ball today. For me it was important because next week I play in Estoril and I need to play better and fight better," said Davydenko.But despite the Russian's efforts Gaudio came through to record a 76(4) 63 victory, and in so doing created a little piece of history: since the inception of the World Group in 1981, no defending champion nation has lost a tie 5-0. Gaudio personally extended his impressive Davis Cup record to 13-1.For the Russians, this was a painful way to relinquish their hold on the Davis Cup, and the first time they have lost a tie 5-0 since as the USSR they lost to Spain in 1979. This is not a weekend of which they will have fond memories."I didn't expect this 5-0 [result], this is really unbelievable," said Argentine Captain Gustavo Luza. "Beating the last champion so...not easy, it wasn't easy, but with this score, I never dreamed it."Argentina has now repeated its semifinal showing of last year, but this time they will be hoping to go one further, although the formidable obstacle of Spain lies in their path. Like Argentina, Spain have played both of their ties this year at home and won them without the loss of a rubber: something will have to give when they meet.That semifinal will be played in Spain September 19-21, and although it will be away, it is likely that the Argentines will find themselves playing on their favoured clay courts."I think Spain is [the] favourite, because they have higher ranked players, their history, they are at home, but we are a very strong team, we are going to go there with a lot of humility and that is very dangerous for them," said Luza.Although Spain lead the head-to-head 1-0, that match was played in 1926 in Barcelona, ending in a 3-1 victory for the hosts. Appropriately enough, ‘Barcelona’ was the song heard over the stadium sound system as Argentina celebrated once more on court, under a warm sun that finally appeared today. Whether the sun will shine on them in Spain is another matter.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=12405
Russia Completes 5-0 Victory Over Thailand
Russia Completes 5-0 Victory Over Thailand
Firm favourites Russia proved their top billing with a clean sweep against Thailand, 5-0, in their Davis Cup by BNP Paribas playoff tie on Sunday to retain their spot in the 16-team World Group for next year.Nikolay Davydenko, playing in place of former world No. 1 Marat Safin, overwhelmed little-known Sonchat Ratiwatana 62 60 whilst Mikhail Youzhny, substituting for Igor Andreev, beat Sonchat's twin brother Sanchai, ranked a lowly 904 in the world, 64 62 in the final two dead rubbers to finish off the Thais."It was a mismatch, but still it was a good work-out for me today," 2002 Davis Cup hero Youzhny said of his contest on Sunday.The Russians wrapped up the tie on Saturday when Safin teamed up with Youzhny to trounce the Thai twins 62 61 64 in the doubles in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Moscow's Luzhniki Sports Palace, giving the 2002 Davis Cup champions an insurmountable 3-0 lead.On Friday, Andreev thrashed Paradorn Srichaphan 75 62 64 while Safin had an equally easy time against Danai Udomchoke, crushing the 163rd-ranked Thai 64 61 62 in the opening singles matches to put the home team in control.But despite being no match for the mighty Russians, the visitors remained upbeat. The 736th-ranked Sonchat, thrashed by 45th-ranked Davydenko in 44 minutes, said: "I would never had a chance to play against someone in the top 50 if not for the Davis Cup, so this was a great learning experience for me."The Thai number one, Srichaphan said he was determined to help his country reach the Davis Cup elite."This was the third time we were playing for a place in the World Group and lost all three, but we'll keep on playing until we achieve our goal," said Srichaphan, currently ranked number 20 in the world. "Hopefully, next time we'll face someone not as strong as Russia and play them in Thailand, in front of our home fans. That would be really fantastic."While Thailand will have to return back to Asia/Oceania Zone One, the Russians are looking forward to recapturing the Davis Cup trophy next year."We have a good young team in Safin, Andreev, Youzhny and Davydenko," said Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev, who guided his country to their first title in 2002. "Next year we must play almost all other top contenders like the United States, France, Spain, Australia and Argentina at home, so if we get a favourable draw and our players stay away from injuries, we could have a good shot at winning. In any case, we would be a serious threat for any team."
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=13017
Firm favourites Russia proved their top billing with a clean sweep against Thailand, 5-0, in their Davis Cup by BNP Paribas playoff tie on Sunday to retain their spot in the 16-team World Group for next year.Nikolay Davydenko, playing in place of former world No. 1 Marat Safin, overwhelmed little-known Sonchat Ratiwatana 62 60 whilst Mikhail Youzhny, substituting for Igor Andreev, beat Sonchat's twin brother Sanchai, ranked a lowly 904 in the world, 64 62 in the final two dead rubbers to finish off the Thais."It was a mismatch, but still it was a good work-out for me today," 2002 Davis Cup hero Youzhny said of his contest on Sunday.The Russians wrapped up the tie on Saturday when Safin teamed up with Youzhny to trounce the Thai twins 62 61 64 in the doubles in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Moscow's Luzhniki Sports Palace, giving the 2002 Davis Cup champions an insurmountable 3-0 lead.On Friday, Andreev thrashed Paradorn Srichaphan 75 62 64 while Safin had an equally easy time against Danai Udomchoke, crushing the 163rd-ranked Thai 64 61 62 in the opening singles matches to put the home team in control.But despite being no match for the mighty Russians, the visitors remained upbeat. The 736th-ranked Sonchat, thrashed by 45th-ranked Davydenko in 44 minutes, said: "I would never had a chance to play against someone in the top 50 if not for the Davis Cup, so this was a great learning experience for me."The Thai number one, Srichaphan said he was determined to help his country reach the Davis Cup elite."This was the third time we were playing for a place in the World Group and lost all three, but we'll keep on playing until we achieve our goal," said Srichaphan, currently ranked number 20 in the world. "Hopefully, next time we'll face someone not as strong as Russia and play them in Thailand, in front of our home fans. That would be really fantastic."While Thailand will have to return back to Asia/Oceania Zone One, the Russians are looking forward to recapturing the Davis Cup trophy next year."We have a good young team in Safin, Andreev, Youzhny and Davydenko," said Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev, who guided his country to their first title in 2002. "Next year we must play almost all other top contenders like the United States, France, Spain, Australia and Argentina at home, so if we get a favourable draw and our players stay away from injuries, we could have a good shot at winning. In any case, we would be a serious threat for any team."
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=13017
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