Federer Beats Davydenko When It Counts
By Mike McIntyre
Down 2-6, 1-3 and 15-40 on his serve, things were not looking good for Roger Federer against Nikolay Davydenko on Wednesday at the Australian Open. All signs were pointing towards a third consecutive victory for the Russian against the world's number one player.
Instead, just as he did in the opening round against another Russian, Igor Andreev, Federer stormed back and managed to claim a four set victory. Federer was able to reel off thirteen straight games against Davydenko and the end result was a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, 7-5 to move on to the semi-finals.
As I expected, Federer vs Davydenko is a completely different story in a best of five set match. The Russian does not have as much stamina or winning experience under those conditions.
Federer had the following to say about his comeback against Davydenko:
"Was in a tough situation at 6‑2, 3‑1 down and 15‑40 on my serve. I knew I wasn't looking very good, you know. But that's the beauty of best of five sets. I wasn't panicking, even though I maybe would have lost the second set had I lost another point there at that stage."
"But, you know, I just relaxed and thought, you know, maybe if the sun goes and his level drops just a little bit, the whole thing might, you know, change for the better. It did. I couldn't believe the way it changed. But I'm happy the way I was able to go on an incredible run and get the cushion with the extra break at the beginning of the fourth."
Another disappointment for Nikolay Davydenko at the Grand Slams, although he seemed to have quite the sense of humor about it in his post match press conference.
"Pissed off. (Laughter.) What else? Yeah. Like say I'm pissed off of my serve. Pissed off. I didn't realize this point, I didn't realize this point. It's like everything was shit (laughter.) But what else? Bad luck. Go home tomorrow, relax."
Federer now moves on to face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who defeated 2008 Champion Novak Djokovic, 7-6, 6-7, 1-6, 6-3, 6-1. Federer and Tsonga have only met twice before, splitting those two matches between them. Federer admitted that he does not know that much about Tsonga which favors the Frenchman, but after two five-set matches in a row, how will Tsonga recover?
