Match report

Nikolay Davydenko © Tennistalk.com
Olympic Games
2nd round
8/12/08 1 2 Tot
ru  Nikolay Davydenko 5 3 0
fr  Paul-Henri Mathieu 7 6 2
Paul-Henri Mathieu © Tennistalk.com

  • #4 seed Nikolay Davydenko crashes out in Beijing

    8/12/08 7:05 PM | Jonathan Morgan
    Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu took out the 4 seed Davydenko in Beijing as the Russian continues to slide.

    For the past few years, Davydenko was the most consistent yet little known top 5 player. This year, however, since winning Miami, his results haven't been up to his par. Sure, he wins little events, but in the big ones, he has disappointed.

    Mathieu and Davydenko played 3 times last year, with Mathieu winning 2 of the 3 and the only loss coming in the tightly-contested Moscow final.

    This time, however, Davydenko has started to look a bit burnt out mentally and physically. He played as if he was going through the motions, with no emotions or anything. It was as if he would rather be somewhere else.

    Not to take anything away from Mathieu, however, as he played very solidly. After a tight first set in which the Frenchman won by returning very well and serving solidly, he took a lead in the second. After that, he swung much easier and was flowing winners left and right.

    Davydenko looks very tired. It would really be in his best interest to take some time off from the tour after the US Open to get his motivation and fire back. If not, he could see a steep and quick slide down the rankings.

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