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After enduring various foot injuries to begin the 2009 season, Russian Nikolay Davydenko has rounded back to his usual top 10 self by capturing four ATP World Tour titles.
The Russian's method of operations simply remains to compete with nothing short of an onslaught of professionalism on a week-to-week out basis.
Over the month of October, Davydenko won 86 percent of his ATP World Tour matches (12-2), winning titles in both Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai. The Russian's 17th and 18th career titles were particularly impressive considering the cast of players he defeated along the way.
At the Proton Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2009, Davydenko defeated Gael Monfils, Robin Soderling and Fernando Verdasco in succession.
The Volgograd native's hard fought win over indoor specialist Robin Soderling in the semifinals was the highlight of the Russian's week, a match which featured Davydenko losing the first 6-1, only to roar back with a second set tiebreak win. After leveling the match at a set apiece, Davydenko dismissed Soderling in a convincing 6-2 third set.
Entering the Shanghai Masters 1000 presented by Rolex, Davydenko was up against the a tough field which included world No. 2 Rafael Nadal and world No. 3 Novak Djokovic.
In search of his third career ATP Masters 1000 title, the Russian rocket defeated both Djokovic and Nadal in back-to-back matches, clinching the biggest title of his season, while taking home $616,500 in prize money.
The 28-year-old right-hander, who can best be described as the pinnacle of tennis consistency, has resided in the world's top 10 since June 6, 2005. Davydenko briefly dipped out the elite top 10 in April of this year, failing to defend his Sony Ericsson crown in Miami due to his ankle injury.
Davydenko encountered another brief set back at the Wimbledon Championships, losing in the third round to Tomas Berdych. However, the Russian immediately rectified his grass court loss by winning consecutive Tour titles in Hamburg, Germany and Umag, Croatia.
The diverse Russian, who has been competing on Tour since 1999, has attained titles on clay (10), hard (5), and carpet (3).
Davydenko's consistent game style, which has historically revolved around his unbreakable serve, seldom is found down a break in match. Davydenko stands at the No. 3 spot in player's with the highest first serve percentage on Tour (69 percent).
Davydenko's serve is not to be overshadowed by his return of serve prowess. The compact, well timed returns of the Russian have him placed at the top of the list in returning statistics.
The Russian currently holds a top five position in three of the four major return of serve statistics. Davydenko, who is not intimated by the sonic serves of game's best, lands at the No. 2 position in points won returning first serve (35 percent).
The high spins and cutting slices, which encompass the solid second serve of the game's elite, are returned with ease by Davydenko, who owns the No. 5 spot when returning second serves (54 percent).
Undoubtedly, the most impressive of the Russian's returning accolades stands with his ability to convert on break point opportunities. When given a look at a break point chance, Davydenko is successful on 32 percent of his opportune moments.
Holding a career high rank of No. 3 in the world (June 2006), Davydenko's next goal will be to qualify for his fifth consecutive Barclays ATP World Tour final in London.
Currently on the cusp of qualifying, Davydenko holds the No. 7 position in the road to London. The Russian, who is participating in the Valencia Open 500 this week, could assure a position among the elite eight in London if he is able to capture the title.
A finalist last year in Shanghai, Davydenko finished second to Novak Djokovic at Masters Cup in China. Davydenko owns an 8-7 Barclays ATP World Tour final record.
In an era where success on Tour comes at a premium, Davydenko has shown that through a diligent fitness regiment, a relentless productive schedule, and finally the ability deal with the endless pressure that resides in the life of a world class professional, Davydenko without question has delivered the highest degree of what a true professionalism is defined by.
With another fantastic year on the ATP World Tour winding down, the consummate Russian will likely evoke continued success in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned, the race to the Tour finale in London awaits.
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