Former Third Ranked Davydenko Officially Calls it Quits

October 17, 2014 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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Nikolay Davydenko, who rose as high as number three in the world, has officially announced his retirement from the sport of tennis. The 33-year-old Russian confirmed his retirement as he stood on the sidelines of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

“Unfortunately, for some years now, I have been struggling with injuries. It’s hard for me to talk about it,” said Davydenko. “I have been thinking when to announce it. The time has come. I have my whole life to live. I officially announce my retirement from professional tennis.”

While the official announcement didn’t come until yesterday, Davydenko said he decided to retire following the French Open in May. He would play his final match in Roland Garros, a straight-set loss to Robin Haase in the first-round.

“I decided to retire in June after Roland Garros. I felt I could not play at the level I used to play at,” added Davydenko. “I practiced twice a day, but I felt I couldn’t achieve the result I wanted. But I was waiting for the moment when I would wake up and say to myself it was enough.”

Davydenko steps away from the game after a very accomplished career. The Russian won 21 titles throughout his career, and won the ATP Finals in 2009, defeating Juan Martin del Potro in the title match in straight sets.

He finished in the top 50 for 10 straight years from 2002-2013, but was never able to reach a Grand Slam final despite being a semifinalist four times.

The ATP did investigate him over match-fixing claims in 2007 but he was cleared the following year.

Davydenko walks away as the only player ever to have played Rafael Nadal at least 11 times and hold a winning record against the Spaniard.  He finishes his career with a career match-record of 482-329. 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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