Russian Davydenko thrashes Nadal to triumph in Florida
Nikolay Davydenko is the first Russian to win the Open in its 24-year history
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Sunday, 06, Apr 2008 08:53
Nikolay Davydenko stunned Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-2 to win the Sony Ericsson Open in Florida.
The world number four broke twice in each set to wrap up victory in one hour and 22 minutes, to clinch his second Masters Series title.
World number two Nadal was the hot favourite in his bid to win his first title since the Stuttgart Cup in July.
Both players exchanged breaks early on but Davydenko broke again in game seven. The Russian then comfortably served out the set on his second set point.
Nadal, 21, failed to match the form he has shown this week and made a host of unforced errors in the second set.
Davydenko raced into a 4-1 lead after two breaks of serve, following some impressive serving and matching Nadal's power on the baseline.
The 26-year-old sealed victory on his second match point to add to his Masters Cup triumph in Paris in 2006.
The win is a major boost for Davydenko, whose reputation has been tarnished by allegations of match-fixing which the ATP is currently investigating.
Davydenko admitted he was shocked to have won so easily against a four-time grand slam winner.
"It is surprising for me to stand here, it is crazy," Davydenko said.
"I only have one racket and I played three sets in virtually every match. Thankfully I didn't break a string."