Kolya downs Delpo for WTF title, becomes first Russian to win year-end trophy

Nikolay Davydenko earned the biggest title of his career defeating Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 to win the year-end Barclays ATP World Tour Final trophy in London, the Russian EVAH to do so.

It was a career week for the 28-year old who was at his workmanlike best gutting out tough matches against this year's major title holders including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Delpo today. His only loss came in his opening round robin match at the hands of Novak Djokovic. He earned $1,510,000 for his efforts this week and will replace Andy Roddick at No.6 in the rankings.

"I was [looking at the trophy], until 2008, [there are] so many names there, like Djokovic, Federer, everyone, [Pete] Sampras,” said Davydenko, who was contesting his fifth straight year-end championship. “In 2009, [it says] Davydenko forever on this trophy. I think it's amazing. [In the] history of the [Finals], for my name to be there is something amazing for me."

Huge props to Kolya - what an incredibly impressive effort for the consistently underrated Russian. Could he - dare I say - pull an "Andre Agassi" and hit hyperdrive in the second half of his career (sans the meth + mullets of course)? Clearly he's a hard worker so if he stays healthy and keeps the motivation it's not completely out of the question.


(Photo(s): Getty)

QUOTE OF THE DAY: KOLYA

All my family, everybody who supports me, wait for this moment, when I can beat Federer. I was thinking it coming maybe 2010 or '11. But in 2009, end of the season, it's good feeling.

- Nikolay Davydenko on defeating Roger Federer 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals

LOL - "2010 or '11?" Anyway, it took 13 tries but the underrated Kolya finally pulled it off. And after beating Rafa earlier in the week and making his second straight final here the Russian must be feeling pretty good.

Congrats!

(Photo(s): Reuters)

PHOTO OP: Talk to the hand 'cause...

"...this Swede ain't listening, y'all."

Robin Soderling entered the Barclays World Tour Final as a replacement to an injured Andy Roddick in the B Group and has made GREAT on his opportunity.

He disposed of Rafael Nadal on Monday and today he ended Novak Djokovic's 11-match win streak with a 7-6 (5), 6-1 decision. He becomes the first baller to reach the semifinal stage at the prestigious tourney and the only one not to lose a set. Gah!


The Roland Garros finalist played a tactically brilliant match pummeling Nole's usually lethal backhand side and then going after his weaker forehand. The Serb's slice strategy seemed suspect, giving Sod the time to set up his attacking shots. Seriously, why would you send over slice after slice when your DHBH is one of the best, if not the best, in the world? Plus, it forced the defending champ out of his rhythm which infected the rest of his game like a virus. The final set saw an uber-confident Sod take it full force to his ever-increasingly fatigued and frustrated opponent.

We all know the Swede isn't the most liked baller in the locker room or with fans and he seems to relish that role, playing this week as if he has something to prove on an indoor surface he should excel on. Sod also seems to be walking around with a carefree, nothing-to-lose attitude since he wasn't supposed to play anyway.

And you know what? That makes him the most dangerous of 'em all.

(Photos: Getty)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Who's your number one now?

"Fingers don't lie."

Roger Federer capped off an extraordinary year at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals today securing the year-end No.1 ranking for fifth time after defeating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in their round robin match. After Rafael Nadal lost to Robin Soderling yesterday, Fed only needed to win one more match to achieve the feat and he made no mistake today.

“It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1,” said the Swiss. “It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.”

Fed becomes the only baller besides Ivan Lendl to have held, lost, and then regained the top spot back. He also joins Jimmy Connors + Pete Sampras as the only ones to have finished the year at the top at least five times.

The Swiss maestro can now add the ATP World Tour Champion title to his other incredible achievements this year including the completion of a Career Grand Slam by winning his first Roland Garros crown, breaking the all-time major wins record by grabbing his 15th Slam at Wimbledon and reaching the final of all four Slams this year. Fed also married longtime girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in April and the couple gave birth to twin mangoes Myla Rose + Charlene Riva in July.

He'll get his chance for revenge when he meets U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro in the final RR match. The Argentine defeated Fed in the final at Flushing Meadows to capture his maiden major.

Well, I guess the big story of the tourney is dead in the water. BUT, the matches have been really good and the energy in the O2 Arena has been great so I'm thinking there's exciting stuff yet to come.

UPDATE: Here's the actual year-end No.1 trophy being presented to Fed today. Much better than a finger. And, like a DtL commenter hysterically said a few weeks back, "Looks like his taking being the ambassador of Lindt quite seriously." No kidding. ROFL


(Photo: Getty, AP)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Nole + Kolya bask in the afterglow, share shirtless MOMA

"Was it good for you, bro?"

Novak Djokovic + Nikolay Davydenko shared a shirtless, and most likely sweaty, MOMA moment at the net after their opening round robin match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The Serb continued his winning ways edging out Kolya 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 and earning his 11th straight win. It was a match full of long, intense rallies but Nole's confidence pushed him past the finish line as the Russian offered up errors in the crucial moments of the final set.

Afterwards the pair met at the net and exchanged shirts to commemorate their battle - and to entertain us of course. I mean, how could you not be? *licks chops*





UPDATE: Looks like the MOMA didn't do much for A-Rod who was sitting in the audience. Damn you Brooklyn.


(Photos: Getty)

PHOTO OP: Throwing in the towel (with Body Bonus!)

"Blech."

Well, not quite.

But Rafael Nadal's quest to snatch the year-end No.1 ranking from Roger Federer took a hit today in London.

The 6-time Grand Slammer was sidetracked momentarily losing his opening round robin match in the 'B' Group to Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-4 and racking up his second consecutive loss to the Swede. Sod inflicted Rafa's lone loss at Roland Garros in the fourth round this year, and add to this their overwhelming LURVE for each other and you've got our first bit of WTF drama.

The Spaniard can still make the semifinals and retake the top ranking but his margin for error is THAT much slimmer now.

I know you're probably feeling down RAFANATICS so here's a little Body Bonus to ease your pain. It did wonders for me:


(Photos: Getty)