Nikolay Davydenko

Nikolay Vladimirovich Davydenko (Russian: Николай Владимирович Давыденко; Ukrainian: Микола Володимирович Давиденко, Mykola Volodymyrovych Davydenko) is a Ukrainian-Russian tennis player. Davydenko's best result in a Grand Slam tournament has been reaching the semifinals, which he has done on four occasions: twice each at the French Open and the U.S. Open. His biggest achievement to date was winning the 2009 ATP World Tour Finals, and he has also won three ATP Masters Series. He is one of the few players who has a winning record against Rafael Nadal.

Personal Life

Years later, Davydenko explained his peripatetic youth, "I stayed four years in Russia. Eduard worked as a tennis coach for kids, and we practised together. He pushed me pretty hard. At 15 we left for Germany. A Russian who lived there convinced Eduard it would be better for me and help me to learn more about my game with better coaches. In Europe I could play more tournaments and earn more money than in Russia."

Davydenko was granted Russian citizenship in 1999 at the age of 18, and has represented Russia ever since. In 2007, he applied for Austrian citizenship (so as to obtain dual citizenship) and has also previously applied for German citizenship.

Tennis fans have nicknamed Davydenko "Kolya", the Russian nickname for Nikolay. He has also been called "Iron Man" because he plays in more tournaments per year than any other player, just like fellow Russian and former World No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Another nickname is "The Machine" due to his aggressive, consistent style of play.

Davydenko's favourite players growing up were Ivan Lendl and Yannick Noah. During his spare time he enjoys cycling, fishing, soccer, and hockey. He is also a Guns N' Roses fan. He speaks Russian, German, and English.

Before the Davis Cup in 2006, Davydenko married his girlfriend Irina, who had been his traveling companion for three years. He currently resides in Volgograd, Russia.

From : www.wikipedia.org