They call me Iron Man: Nikolay Davydenko

Nikolay Davydenko has had a tough year battling match-fixing allegations, but has also managed to win  three titles, which includes a much-cherished defeat of world No.1, Rafael Nadal. The Russian, currently in Shanghai for the Masters Cup, shares a few thoughts in this email interview.

Apparently the last time you came to India, for the Chennai Open, all you saw were the hotel and the tennis courts. Any plans of seeing any more of the country?
That was in 2001. I had a great time playing the match and really liked the country and its diverse cultures. I didn’t get much time to see it much though. I hope to play in India again as it’s one of the top circuits today. And, if time permits, see some more of what I’ve heard is a beautiful country.

Excited about the Shanghai Masters? Do you think your chances have gone up after the presence of Rafael Nadal?
The world’s top eight players get to play the Shanghai Open so the level of competition is always tough. Rafael is indeed a tough player but winning a match is all about perseverance and hard work and I hope to have victory at the end of this tournament.

You won three titles this year and reached one final. When do you feel that a Grand Slam will come your way?
Yes, 3 titles have been great for me and have given the exposure I require. I’ve had a few close victories and tough fights. I hope for many more titles to my name and am working on this aspect of my game. I hope that the New Year changes the tide for me.

 You have a 5-2 mark against the top 10 players this year, which is quite good?
Yes, the season has been good for me starting from reaching the semifinal of Doha, which I lost to Andy Murray. I reached the semifinal of Dubai but lost to Feliciano López in 3 sets. I won the Miami Masters defeating Rafael Nadal in the final 6-4 6-2 to claim my second ATP Masters Series title. I also made to the final of Estoril, losing to Roger Federer 6-7 2-1. I also won my 13th career title in Pöertschach and a victory in Warsaw. There is Shanghai Open also now, so I hope that I can close the year on a good winning note.

 Who do you consider your most formidable opponent?
If I have to choose then it would be — Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. They are two of the most talented players we have on the tennis circuit. I have won one match against Nadal, but have not won any against Roger. Hope to win a match against him soon.

Who is it the most fun to play?
It is difficult to choose. All of them are equally good and each one is very competitive.

This year has seen a rash of newcomers in to the high rankings. Who of the young ones do you see going the furthest?
I really like Andy Murray, who had many victories including ATP Masters Series Cincinnati, Madrid, St Petersburg. He is a great performer. 

You are the highest ranked Russian male player today, but it is Russian women who are really dominating the game.
Yeah, tennis has become very popular in Russia and you have many of them who have been competing on the big stage. Maria Sharapova, Anna Chakvetadze, Svetlana are all very competitive and have won titles.

Will you end the year in the top five again after Shanghai?
I will try my best and keep my focus in the match and definitely hope to be in the top five again after Shanghai.

 Your views on Roger Federer losing the number one ranking this year and the so-called “bad” year he has had?
We all go through tough phases in our life and I always tell my colleagues that any match could be a win; we just need to have the right focus and keep our concentration on the game. I am sure he will have a great year ahead of him.

The ATP is looking for a new head and Federer, Nadal and Djokovic are all involved in the ATP. Are you interested in having a say in the way the sport is run? Do you think the tour is too gruelling — considering you are a player who takes in many tournaments?
It’s for the ATP to decide about a new head — the sport is run in the way it has to be run. Ya, it’s true I take part in most tournaments. That’s why my colleagues call me the “Iron Man”

 You have just come out of a tough time with allegations of match-fixing/ betting against you, of which you have been officially cleared. How difficult did this make it for you to concentrate on your game?
It was difficult but I am happy that I had overcome the difficult period all thanks to my family and close friends who supported me during the rough phase of my life. There were many things that I have gone through during that period of my life. I hope those days are over and will never happen to anybody. Tennis is very close to my heart and it was only that drive to play that had helped me to stay focused in my life and keep myself busy with my work. However, this has made me mentally tough and stronger.

How bad is the betting problem in tennis according to you and what should be done to contain it?
I wouldn’t like to comment on it

How do you relax? Do you get time to have fun? 
During my spare time I do cycling, fishing, soccer, and hockey. I am a huge fan of Guns N’ Roses.

You are often an under-estimated opponent. But your gritty determination and your ability to get almost every ball back wins you many matches and actually makes you a very tough player. Do you use this quiet understatement to confuse your opponents?
I think I like to concentrate on my game and given my 100 per cent when am on the courts. I can say that this has been my true strength.

What are your most treasured possessions that you have acquired after your tennis success?
I always just talk about the one victory that is, my victory against Rafael Nadal. That has been till date one of the best victory I have had in my life. Hope to have few more wins in my career.

What happens after tennis?
Nothing decided as of now…

Any plans of starting a family some time soon?
I have been married to Irina since November 06. Things are going great between us. Yes, we would definitely plan to start a family. But it is too personal for me to share.