Djokovic has Federer in his sights
Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:09
The Australian Open champion, 21, completely dominated the experienced Russian in the first set and despite a second set revival from Davydenko, deservedly claimed the title in one hour and 42 minutes.
Djokovic takes home a cheque for US$1.24million (£902,114) after winning the eight-man showpiece and moved within 10 points of US Open champion Federer in the end of year world rankings after the Swiss crashed out in the group stage.
Djokovic claimed an early 2-0 first-set lead as Davydenko plunged a backhand into the net on the second of two break points after the Serbian capitalised on the Russian’s second serve.
The Russian survived one more break point after Djokovic drifted a half-volley wide, but then sent a wayward backhand into the tramlines to hand the Serb a fully deserved 4-0 lead after just 17 minutes.
With Djokovic serving for the set, Davydenko had the Serb on the ropes at 15-40 but after the Russian netted a forehand and Djokovic pulled out a big serve to level, he claimed a completely one-sided first set in 32 minutes with a cross-court backhand.
Djokovic’s dominance continued as a 2-1 second set lead was quickly established with another break of the Davydenko serve after the Russian shipped his first double fault to hand his opponent a second break point, which was taken with another unplayable forehand.
An animated Djokovic returned to his chair with a leaping fist-pump and had a chance to take a 4-1 lead, but despite Davydenko struggling to find a first serve, he survived with an ace on the second of two break points.
Serving to stay in the match as 5-3, Davydenko saved two championship points and then broke back to level at 5-5 after Djokovic double faulted at break point after saving the first with an ace.
But Djokovic hit straight back with a break of his own and after racing out to a 40-0 lead, fired a big serve down the middle which Davydenko could only guide into the net to clinch a third hardcourt title this year and eighth overall.
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