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The name's Davydenko - Nikolay Davydenko

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-01 09:20

LONDON: Nikolay Davydenko said he had not been stopped for a single autograph in London - but the Russian is now a name to be reckoned with after landing the World Tour Finals crown.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia reacts after winning the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in London, November 29, 2009. [Agencies]

The 28-year-old beat the holders of all four Grand Slams as he claimed the title at London's O2 Arena, disputed among the year's top eight players.

But while all the talk was about Switzerland's world No 1 Roger Federer, Spanish world No 2 Rafael Nadal, Davydenko was the one beating them and scooping $1.51 million in prizemoney.

Related readings:  Davydenko beats Del Potro to win ATP Tour Final  Davydenko pips Djokovic to semi-final spot  Davydenko downs Djokovic in Shanghai surprise  Davydenko sweeps past Nadal

Davydenko defeated Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 in Sunday's final.

Davydenko, who does not even have a racquet deal, has finished in the top six for five years running and feels it's about time he got some recognition.

Asked how many times he had been stopped for an autograph in London, the Russian replied: "Not once. Really!

"Maybe everybody's concentrating on Nadal and Federer. Everybody's looking this way, not on me. But it's good. I really enjoy it. I don't want to be so much famous like those guys. It's really difficult for Federer. I know he always tries to have a different hotel, quiet, to spend time with family. He's for sure famous for winning Wimbledon. Everybody knows him.

"But maybe now after London here, I have also little bit, just small part famous here in London. I would like it."

And being acknowledged back home wouldn't go amiss either.

"I hope after this tournament I become more famous in Russia. It's really important. It's really disappointing. I hope in the future, I'll be famous Russia and everybody will support me."

After winning the most important trophy of his career, Davydenko has his sights set on retaining it next year.

"It would be six years in a row coming in the top eight. I don't know if I can get it. It's really interesting next year for me because winning the last tournament of this year is something amazing."

AFP