Davydenko wins Shanghai thriller
Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:52
The Russian was a break up early on but world number two Nadal appeared to be heading for victory when he levelled up and took the set into a tie-breaker.
However, the sixth seed came out on top before claiming the second set with a single break to seal a third Masters title with a 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 victory.
The pair were producing some stunning rallies and Nadal’s defence saved him when Davydenko looked certain to earn two break points, then he came to the net to finish off another thrilling exchange and move 5-4 ahead in the first set.
Davydenko saved a set point with an overhead and levelled, then came from 0-30 down to take the first set into a tie-breaker.
The pair traded early mini-breaks, before a backhand down the line gave Davydenko the advantage and a miscued forehand from Nadal gave the Russian three set points – the first of which he converted.
Davydenko maintained his level in the second set but was forced to save a break point in game five after a double fault let Nadal in.
And in the very next game he raced into a 0-40 lead, sealing the break when Nadal sent a backhand wide.
Davydenko took the next game with the help of a stunning backhand winner to put him within a game of the title, but Nadal held to make the Russian serve it out.
And the match ended in dramatic fashion as Nadal unsuccessfully challenged when his forehand went centimetres long.
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