NEWS

Davydenko Continues Hot Form

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By Bill Scott

Gritty Russian grinder Nikolay Davydenko showed off his famed ironman qualities as he overpowered Tommy Robredo 7-6 (10-8), 3-6, 6-1 to earn an opening victory in the Gold group on Monday.

Robredo's loss capped a day of doubles disaster for proud tennis nation Spain after Rafael Nadal's loss to American James Blake in straight sets.

Davydenko, ranked third and considered a threat to challenge Nadal for No. 2 status in 2007, beat Robredo for the second time in nine days.

The pair last met at the AMS Paris, where Robredo emerged as the lone player to lift a set off of eventual champion Davydenko, who until the autumn played almost every week of the season.

It was Davydenko's second opening success in Shanghai after driving an injured Andre Agassi from China 12 months ago with a win on the way to claiming his group.

The winner spent just under two and a half hours in earning his hard-fought success. Davydenko, to be married in December, overcame 52 unforced errors, striking 38 winners and breaking on four of seven chances.

The Russian took a break for 2-0 in the final set, but lost the break a game later. Davydenko finally broke the contest open for 3-1 as Robredo double-faulted and was never again challenged.

Davydenko leads the series 3-1 as he improved his 2006 record to 68 wins, 26 defeats and five trophies.

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