Davydenko stuns Federer to enter ATP final

London: The number 13 proved unlucky for World No.1 Roger Federer as he wilted before Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 for a place in Sunday's final of the Barclays ATP Tour World Finals at the O2 Arena here.

Davydenko, who had wins against Rafael Nadal and Robin Soderling on his way to the last four stages here, will take on del Potro who beat Soderling in the other match.

Playing his Russian opponent for the 13th time during their career, it was Davydenko who showed signs of brilliance on court with his steady and consistent play – though the Russian had been complaining of a breathing problem during the week.

On the other hand, there was a lot at stake for Federer besides a place in today’s final as the Swiss ace had never ever lost to Davydenko before. But this one was definitely the closest call and it was the sixth seed from Russia securing an upsetting win to progress to his second final in as many years.

Last year, Davydenko had made it to the final, only to lose to Novak Djokovic in Shanghai.

Earlier this week, Federer became just the second player in history to regain the year-end No.1 ranking while tying Jimmy Connors’s mark of five world titles. He now stands just one back of Pete Sampras on the list of all-time AT World Tour Champions.

But all this meant nothing to an opponent who showed tenacity and resolve coupled with some of the best tennis ever seen in this year-end competition.

Federer did have a decent start as Davydenko was in arrears 0-40 in the very second game. But the Swiss ace blew his chance with numerous unforced errors and the Russian seized the moment to notch two quick breaks in the third and fifth games for a 4-2 lead. Federer did break back immediately only to be broken a third time as Davydenko served out the set 6-2 in half an hour.

In the second set, Federer battled on, rarely finding space past Davydenko. But he did manage a break in the tenth game to draw level by winning the set 6-4.

In the third, Davydenko matched the world’s best player shot for shot and then was ultimately rewarded with a break in the 11th as he served out for set and match 7-5 in less than two hours.

Earlier, Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram had sailed into the doubles final with a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win against Frantisek Cermak and Michal Mertinak. Ram and Mirnyi will now await the winners of the second semifinal that was to be played later today (Saturday) between third seeds Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles and second seeds Bob and Mike Bryan from the US.

Results:

(Singles) Nikolay Davydenko bt Roger Federer 6-2, 4-6, 7-5

(Doubles) Max Mirnyi/Andy Ram bt Frantisek Cermak/Michal Mertinak 6-4, 7-6 (4)