Nikolay Davydenko beaten in the opening round of Sony Ericsson Open
Former champion, world number 42 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia was defeated by world number 40 Kevin Anderson of South Africa in straight sets 4-6, 3-6 in the first round of the Sony Ericsson Open on Wednesday.
Anderson broke the Russian in the sixth game of the opening set and consolidated on the single break of serve to win the set 6-4.
The South African fired in 3 aces and 75 per cent of the first serves in the first set. He converted 70 per cent of the first serves into points. In comparison, Davydenko hit 77 per cent of the first serves, winning 70 per cent
of the points on them. The Russian could not save the only break point he faced in the opening set.
The second set was even easier for Anderson, who broke his opponent twice in the set to win it 6-3. The South African kept his first serve percentage at 64 per cent and won 86 per cent of the points on his first serves in the second
set. While, Davydenko hit a single ace and 63 per cent of the first serves in the second set. Anderson converted both break points he received in the set. He did not face any break point in the second set.
The South African said, after his first round win, “I was pretty happy with the way I played today. I just felt I had to play my game. In the rallies and how the match was progressing, I felt pretty controlled.”
Talking to the journalists after his loss to Anderson, Davydenko said, “He’s always had a great career. I know he’s not at his highest ranking, but a player like that with so much experience is always going to be a tough match.
I thought I did a great job on his second serve. He returns so well, so it was really important to mix up my serves.”
Anderson improved his win/loss record to 11-6 this season. He has already won a title this year, beating Somdev Devvarman 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the final at the SA Tennis Open. The South African started the season at the Brisbane International,
where he lost to Andy Roddick in three sets 2-6, 6-4, 2-6 in the semi-final.
While, Davydenko has won just 6 out of 13 matches this year. He began the season at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, losing to Roger Federer 3-6, 4-6 in the final.
The Russian won the title at the Sony Ericsson Open in 2008. He defeated Spanish Rafael Nadal, ranked world number 2 at that time, 6-4, 6-2 in the final.
Anderson will face world number 26 Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain in the second round. This will be the first meeting between these two.
Tags: