Barclays ATP World Tour Final—London

Russian workhorse Nikolay Davydenko put forth a flawless performance on Sunday at the O2 Arena in London, defeating US Open champion and world No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro, 6-3, 6-4.

The final Tour-level match of 2009, which took one hour and 24 minutes to complete, was dominated by the precision and early ball-striking of the Russian.

Losing a mere five points on his first serve in the first set, Davydenko converted on his only required break of serve at 4-3.

Racing through the first set without any indication of nerves, Davydenko appeared fixated on the overall task of winning the biggest title of his successful career.

Placing three aces and winning 63 percent of his second serve points, Davydenko remained in cruise control over his lanky adversary.

Del Potro, who displayed a jaded demeanor throughout the straight set defeat, couldn't combat the angles and efficient play of his diminutive opponent. 

Even though Davydenko gave up seven inches in height, 30 pounds in weight, and seven years of wear-and-tear on the circuit, his indefatigable ability to stay hungry and focused regardless of how much tennis was in his body remained the story of the match.

Del Potro, who squandered two break point chances in the second set, was broken at love in the ninth game in routine fashion.

Losing only eight service points in the second set, Davydenko released a scream of joy when Del Potro missed his final forehand of the day.

In a year which began with a variety of foot injuries to start the season, Davydenko's rise in the second half of '09 is worth noting. 

Winning in Hamburg and Umag after The Wimbledon Championships, Davydenko followed up his clay results with rock-solid performances in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

Improving to 5-0 in Tour finals this season, Davydenko increased his head-to-head winning margin over Del Potro to 3-1 with Sunday's win.

Davydenko expressed the virtues of his tremendous achievement during the post match trophy ceremony.

“For me it was amazing,” Davydenko said. “Coming here as No. 7 and winning the tournament, it was surprising for myself.”

Taking home $1,500,010 for his fine week of tennis, the conservative Russian raced to his player's box to share kiss with his supportive wife.

Del Potro, who will end the year ranked No. 5 in the world, summed up Davydenko's consistent play throughout the week in his second placed speech.

“He beat everybody, so he’s a worthy champion,” Del Potro said.

Davydenko's next challenge will be to translate his surge in second half of the season to the Grand Slam events in 2010.

Defeating all four Major winners this week, Davydenko certainly has the game and fitness to rule a two-week Grand Slam tournament.

Both finalists will now enjoy a much needed offseason and begin preparations for their trip to Australia in January.

Davydenko is scheduled to compete in the Doha, Qatar event the first week of the year, while Del Potro is slated to take part in the Kooyong Classic the week before the start of year's first Major.

Well folks, that wraps up a long but enjoyable year of tennis from the ATP World Tour. I hope you've enjoyed my coverage from the start of the season, and if you still fancy some tennis in your life, no need to worry.

Davis Cup action is just around the corner, with finals action taking place next week in Barcelona between Spain and the Czech Republic.

Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco are set to take on Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych.

Talk soon, tennis fans.