Davydenko Takes Perfect Record into Semifinals
Davydenko next plays Nalbandian. By Bill Scott
Nikolay Davydenko kept a clean sheet in Gold as group play ended Friday at the Tennis Masters Cup 2005, claiming his third victory with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Mariano Puerta.
The Russian fifth seed enters a Saturday semifinal against another Argentine in David Nalbandian, second in the Red group behind world No. 1 Roger Federer.
Davydenko was untroubled in 64 minutes by French Open finalist Puerta, who leaves Shanghai 0-3 for the week.
The contest was a re-match of this year’s Roland Garros semifinal, with the South American winning their June clash in Paris with a comeback from two-sets-to-one down to defeat the Russian in five sets.
Bit it was another story in China on Taraflex carpet indoors.
Davydenko dominated in all departments, striking 25 winners and nine aces against 25 errors for the frustrated Puerta. The Russian converted on three of six break points, two of those coming in the second set.
Davydenko, who won his only title of the season at St Poelten in May, improved his match record in 2005 to 56 wins, 29 defeats.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Davydenko: (on the semifinals): "Yeah, okay, I tell about Nalbandian. For me the priority also semifinal play against Nalbandian because I was surprised he beat so easy Ljubicic. Yesterday he played very well, because I think he was the best match for Nalbandian. I see all match, he was in good control, play from baseline. He returning everything. I was surprising. But Ljubicic I think not so good concentration with match. I think he was most only from serving, try to make only first serve and make winners. But Nalbandian to do everything, to make good control and to win match. For me also tomorrow important, also like Nalbandian to good control from baseline. I think if the ball guy to play from baseline should be to find who should be better tomorrow."
Puerta: "I think that obviously Federer is always the favorite. But he's going to have to play at his best. Today I played against Davydenko, and he's playing at a great level. At the same time I also think that Nalbandian is a player that can beat anybody."
(On his 2005 season): "Without doubt it's the best year in my career. I worked very, very hard for that. I'm very happy the way things turned out. I had the goal of finishing in the Top 10, and I finished close to that a couple of positions behind that. I'll work very hard next year for that, to finish in the Top 10."
Exclusive Audio | Press Transcripts
Thursday: Federer Again Needs 3 Sets to Win
Wednesday: Davydenko Remains Perfect in Shanghai
Tuesday: Federer Pushed to Limit by Ljubicic
Monday: Davydenko Defeats Injured Agassi
Sunday: Federer Wins Masters Cup Opener
|
