Davydenko Outplays Nadal to clinch Miami Title

Nikolay Davydenko became the first ever Russian to win the Sony Ericsson Open beating the World N°2 Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6-4 6-2. It is his second ATP Masters Series shield after the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris Bercy he won in 2006.

In the beginning of the final both player felt the pressure early on as they exchange breaks of serve. But the Russian manage to win 9 points in a row a broke Nadal to love to lead 4-3. He kept the momentum going and took the first set 6-4 in 50min.

Nadal tried to fight back in the second set but Davydenko covered the court way better than his Spaniard opponent. Nadal struggled a lot and conceded 2 more break in the 2nd set. Davydenko with a 5-1 lead waited for his serve to closed the match as he won 90% of his serve in this second set to eventually win the title in 1h30, 6-4 6-2.

It is the 12th career title for Davydenko in his 15th career ATP final. He has now the best record in ATP finals tied with Thomas Muster (44-11) at 80%. Nadal slept to 23-8 at only 21 years old.

It has been an incredible week for the World N°4 as he saved match point in his 2nd round first match against Ernest Gulbis. then lost the first of the match a couple of times more and then beat unseeded Serb Janko Tipsarevic, Andy Roddick and world n°2 Rafael Nadal in straight sets. He never beat his last two opponents before this week.

"My tennis was so good today. I think it's the best tennis of the hardcourt season. Here Nadal was favorite, and also in semifinal Roddick was the favorite. Just to beat two guys in two sets is like amazing for me." said Davydenko after his match.

Davydenko will enter to the clay court season full of confidence as he played the best tennis of his career. His next tournament will be Estoril in Portugal where he'll the 2nd seed as World N°1 starts his Roland Garros conquest there. See you then...