NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO
A fan favorite, he isn't

With the crowd cheering for his fiery opponent, Nikolay Davydenko quietly showed why he's the world's fifth-ranked player.
BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
sdegnan@MiamiHerald.com

The wiry man with the drab, navy blue shorts and shirt on Stadium Court might as well have been faceless and nameless. He already lacked the fire and charisma of his 20-year-old opponent, Marcos Baghdatis -- not to mention the crowd support.

Nikolay Davydenko knows well by now that being ranked fifth in the world in tennis means absolutely nothing in terms of being popular, or even being known. The crowd clapped in rhythm and cheered heartily for Baghdatis of Cyprus on Sunday at the NASDAQ-100 Open, clearly approving of his playfulness and warmth.

But when the 2-hour 9-minute match ended, it was Davydenko, the patient Russian baseliner, who walked away at least $37,400 richer by defeating the Cypriot 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 to reach the fourth round at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park.

''I have question,'' Davydenko said to reporters in his rough English after the match. ``Can you tell me why I play today on center court?

''[Because you're] No. 5,'' someone responded.

Said Davydenko: ``No. [Because] Baghdatis more famous after finals of Australia Open. Everybody want to see Baghdatis. Normally not me.''

He was asked if it's because he's quieter and people like more emotional players.

''I don't know [about] emotion,'' Davydenko, 24, replied. ``Normally I play my game. I don't want to do something like changing on center court. It doesn't matter if I play on center court or grandstand. Maybe it's easier playing on Court 1 or the grandstand. Not so many people watching.''

COACHED BY BROTHER

Davydenko, whose parents are in Volgograd, Russia, spends most of the year in Germany with his brother and coach, Eduard. He was born in Severodonezk, Ukraine, and became a Russian citizen at 18. But despite his little-known background and lack of popularity -- ''You get soccer and ice hockey on Russian TV,'' he said -- he's obviously doing something right.

In 2005, he won one ATP title (St. Poelten, Austria) and advanced to seven semifinals, including his first in a Grand Slam at the French Open, where he lost to Mariana Puerta in five sets.

This year, he already has reached the semis in Sydney, Australia, and Rotterdam, Netherlands. He got to the quarterfinal of his first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, but lost to top-ranked Roger Federer in four sets.

Known as the workhorse of the ATP, Davydenko broke into the top 10 of the men's game at No. 7 in June and has gotten stronger since. His 30 tournaments last year were the most of any of the top-10 players.

DUEL OF BASELINERS

Sunday, he wore down Baghdatis, a fellow baseliner, by moving him around and keeping the rallies long.

''In the second set I start to move more,'' Davydenko said, ``like play faster and make more topspin and play everywhere -- just not so many mistakes.''

Baghdatis didn't help himself, double faulting seven times, including on match point.

Nonetheless, he had 11 aces and drew louder and louder cheers in the final set. Despite Baghdatis being beaten by Federer 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 in the Australian Open final, his countrymen celebrated his overall success with fireworks, gunfire, church bells and music in the streets of Cyprus, according to The Associated Press. Even the president called.

''It's really cool to have a lot of people behind you, showing me a lot of love,'' he said.

``Any player would love the crowd to be with him.''

But like Davydenko, if given the choice, he would take the victory.

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