Men’s Singles - Finals
Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Nadal came out with something to prove against Tomas Berdych in the semifinals. In their previous six meetings, Nadal had never defeated Berdych on a hard court. Well, now that he has done that, he will set his sights on doing something else for the first time: winning the title in Miami. This is Nadal’s 13th career Masters Series final (9-3), and he is now an ATP best 21-5 on the season.
A day after winning one of the biggest matches of his life, Andy Roddick couldn’t take down the super-steady Davydenko. Davydenko is the first Russian male to reach the finals of this tournament, and will be looking to win his second career Masters Series title.
Match-Up:
Nadal is 2-0 against Davydenko, including a victory over him last year at Rome. In his match against Roddick, Davydenko stood 10 feet behind the baseline, which really shook up Roddick and gave him the edge. In this match, Davydenko should be able to catch Nadal’s heavy spinning shots quite early and hit his two-handed backhand down the line for winners. If he can do that, it will be a huge factor throughout his match. Nadal’s serve will hurt Davydenko, but then again Nadal must have a good serving day.
If the conditions are windy, that definitely favors Nadal and his heavy top-spin shots. Also, the longer this match goes the more Nadal’s chances of winning increase. This should be an excellent match between two of the more consistent players on the ATP Tour, and it is going to be close! I am going to give a slight edge to Davydenko in two sets, and Nadal the edge in three sets.
Nick’s Pick - Davydenko in 2, Nadal in 3
i agree with you, if Nadal wins a set, he will win the match in 2 or 3 sets, doesn’t matter. But if davydenko continues to play like he did against roddick, retuening the serves so well .I’m rooting for Davydenko.
To me Davydenko is more of a semi-quarter finals kind of guy. His game is complete enough to go all the way but I feel mentally he doesn’t have the tools. Rafa on the other hand has the confidence mind set and pride of a lion! Oh yeah and his game is pretty incredible too. 2 or 3 Nadal will be king of Miami.
Nikolay came to play that is for sure he took it to Nadal from start to finish. Big win for the Russian in Miami. I thought Rafa looked sluggish?
I thought Nikolay took the ball early and really played well. He just made Nadal uncomfortable throughout the entire match and it showed. Great win for Davydenko.