 World number six Nikolay Davydenko of Russia returns the ball to Roger Federer of Switzerland in their semi-final match at the Qatar Open at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Davydenko won 6-4, 6-4. the Russian will take on Rafael Nadal of Spain in the final today, at 6.30pm.(MENAFN - The Peninsula) World number six Nikolay Davydenko of Russia yesterday stunned top seed Roger Federer of Switzerland in straight sets to reach the final of the Qatar Open.
Davydenko, who beat Federer at the season-ending championships in London less than two months ago, yesterday won 6-4, 6-4 in one hour 20 minutes.
It was Davydenko's only second win over Federer in 13 meetings on the ATP Tour and the Russian's first in straight sets over the world number one.
"It was a tough match. A lot of balls flying everywhere, especially in the first set. He tried to create pressure but I came up with winners when I wanted to," a delighted Davydenko said after the clash. I ran a lot and that made me tired, especially in the second set. But I fought for every point. That's why I won," the Russian added. "I don't know for how much longer I can hold this level of tennis."
Davydenko will meet world number two Rafael Nadal of Spain in the final today. Yesterday, second seed Nadal crushed fifth seed Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-1, 6-3.
"I think it will be a tough match because I have watched Rafa play here. He is playing good tennis at the moment. He can play for 10 hours, I can't. He is not losing too much of energy. I think the fans will get to watch a good match (in the final). I am little tired but I am happy with the way I am playing now. I got good support from Russian fans here," Davydenko said.
Nadal and Davydenko are tied at 4-all in head-to-head record on the ATP Tour.
Today's final will be the ninth match between the two players, but Davydenko holds a slight edge having won their last two matches on hard court. In the first set, Davydenko was quick off the blocks by breaking Federer in game three when the sluggish Swiss hit two easy returns into the net. After being 2-1 up, Davydenko held his serve to close out the set at 6-4 in 37 minutes. In contrast, a struggling Federer served poorly as the Russian produced a number of first serves hovering around the 200kph mark. "Yeah, he served very well, especially when he needed to. He played better," Federer said after the match. "I felt my arm from the cold but it is not an excuse. He served well, many 200s out there. He made it difficult as the match went on," the Swiss said.
Davydenko, in no mood to ease the pressure he had built on the world number one in the first set, broke an error-prone Federer in game three of the second set as the top seed sprayed three wide returns from the baseline. At 2-1 up, the 27-year-old Russian held his serve in the remaining part of the second set to seal his second successive win over the world number one.
Federer now heads to Melbourne where he takes part in the Australian Open, the new season's first Grand Slam.
"There is nothing to worry about my arm. I will be fine," Federer said when asked about the pain in his arm.
Davydenko said the last two months have brought him immense delight.
"I had a great end to the 2009 season now I am enjoying the good start to 2010. I am really surprised at how well I have played here, but I have an interesting feeling now..." Davydenko tapered off at the post-match press conference.
By Rizwan Rehmat
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