Nikolay Davydenko outperforms Ivo Karlovic in the opener – Mutua Madrid Open 2012
Former world number three, Nikolay Davydenko, advanced to the second round, as he defeated Croatian opponent, Ivo Karlovic, in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-3 in the opening match at the Mutua Madrid Open on Sunday. The Russian, who
is currently ranked at the 54th spot, won the contest in an hour and 27 minutes.
Davydenko and Karlovic put on a serving display in the first set, as they did not allow each other to break, squaring off the score at 6-6 and taking it to a tie-breaker. Both players started on equal terms but then the Russian
started to gain lead and capitalised on it to triumph 7-6(4).
The veteran, Davydenko, survived 11 aces from his big serving, Croatian rival. The Russian was unable to bang in any of his own but kept his first delivery percentage at 81. The 5ft 10in tall’s strength was his conversion rate,
as he pocketed 23 of the 29 first and six of the seven second serve points in the opener.
After winning the first set with the smallest of margins, Davydenko came out roaring in the second, snatching a break in the second game and consolidating on it to gain a 3-0 advantage. Serving for the match at 5-3, the Russian
went down 0-40 but saved four threats and sealed it 6-3 in the end.
Davydenko’s improved statistics spoke of the high level of his game, as he bombarded four aces and 83 percent of the first serves. He captured most of the points on the first deliveries and second returns, clinching 23 of the 30
and five of the seven points on them respectively. The Moscow, Russia resident saved all the six break points he faced in the second set.
The Ukraine born, Davydenko, will lock horns with King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, in the second round. He leads the Spaniard 6-4 in the career head to head record.
Anticipating a tough challenge against Nadal, Davydenko said, “He has less confidence against me on hard court; I have beaten him more times there. On the clay I have never beaten him. He is the best player on clay for sure.”
The Russian added, “For most players the first round is the most difficult. It doesn't matter if it's Djokovic, Federer or Nadal. For all players it will be a different fight because for every match you are fighting, you start
to feel more confident. In the semi-final or final it is much tougher because he feels very good and he has won matches and it's very difficult to stop him.”
Other than the year end championships, this is for the first time that Davydenko and Nadal will face each other before quarter-final at a tour level event.
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