Perhaps it came as no surprise to Rafael Nadal when Nikolay Davydenko managed to break him three times in the last set before winning with a 6-0 final score in the Qatar Open Semifinals on Friday.
Nadal, who was suffering from a fever earlier in the week, called for medical assistance before beginning the second set, saying, “I don’t have my game; I feel much more tired.”
He started the first set well, and even managed to get a 2-1 with a few double-handed shots in the third game. Davydenko upped his performance in the fourth game, however, as Nadal started to slow down.
The game ended with two long returns and several unforced errors. In the eighth game, the Russian broke Nadal with two passing shots, and followed with an ace to win the set.
Davydenko did not lose stride in the next set, taking a 5-0 lead before closing with a 6-2 to win the match, which lasted 84 minutes.
“I have surprised myself by reaching the final,” Davydenko said. “I did not expect to do this well. I am happy with my tennis but I can improve (my) fitness,” the Russian said after winning the match.
Davydenko leads Nadal in the ATP Tour and is set to face off with Roger Federer in the Saturday finals.
