Nikolay Davydenko's resurgence in the wake of atrocious treatment at the hands of the
ATP has been the rousing sub-plot of the men's tour so far this year. The speedy Russian has responded
to the ruling body's finger of suspicion with the proverbial two fingers of his own, romping to
victory over Rafael Nadal in the final of the Miami Masters. Undeterred by the longest match-fixing
investigation in tennis history, he also reached the final in Estoril before a leg injury
derailed his ambitions of ending a losing streak against world number one Roger Federer.
Davydenko's wife Irina, a psychology graduate, and his coach, elder brother Eduard, have been
constant and resolute in his corner. "My wife has relaxed me, helping with my mental recovery,"
he said a few weeks ago. "We have known each other for five years – she knows what is the best for
me." As for gambling, Davydenko is dismissive of any suggestions of his involvement in
the Betfair scandal. "I stayed at the Crown [in Melbourne] five years ago and [Yevgeny] Kafelnikov took
me to the machines," he revealed during the Australian Open. "I lost $5 my first go and said that
was it. Never again. I do not understand betting. You win money, but you easily lose. It is not
for me. I don't do it."
Dedicated and unassuming in his approach to the sport, Davydenko has never captured the
imagination of the world's sporting media. But if Davydenko, the tennis player, is renowned for
unspectacular efficiency, Davydenko, the man, has seen his reputation enhanced by his grace and
dignity in the face of adversity.
Eduard Davydenko was a talented player himself and he introduced his younger brother to the game
at the age of seven. The pair moved to Germany when Nikolay reached 15. "He [Eduard] pushed me
pretty hard," Nikolay explains. "At 15 we left for Germany. A Russian who lived there convinced
Eduard it would be better for me. In Europe I could play more tournaments and earn more money
than in Russia." He made his mark on the tour in 2003, capturing two ATP titles and finishing
in the Top 50 for the first time. But three years went by before he really began to fulfil his
potential. In 2006 he claimed five ATP titles in seven finals and reached the semi-finals
of the US Open.
Away from tennis, Davydenko enjoys fishing, soccer and hockey.
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