by Parsa Samii (GEM Tennis)

Russian Nikolay Davydenko defeated Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3, 6-4 in the finals of the ATP World Tour championships at the O2 arena in London. Davydenko continued his impressive form and routined 2009 US Open champion Del Potro. From the beginning of the match it was apparent that Davydenko possessed the necessary firepower to defeat the 20 year old Argentine. The Russian continually moved the ball around the court during the match and Del Potro just couldn’t find his range on his big booming forehand because he was continually on the run. Davydenko’s ability to take the ball early, combined with his clean striking of the ball doomed the 2009 Australian Open Champion Rafael Nadal, the 2009 Roland Garros and Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer, and now the 2009 US Open Champion Juan Martin Del Potro all in this week’s year end championship. This achievement is very impressive considering that Davydenko hadn’t clinched a spot in this tournament until the very last “regular” tournament of the year.

The men’s game seems to have opened up at the top of the game. There are at least 8 or 9 serious contenders for the 2010 Australian Open. All tennis fans should be looking forward to an exciting 2010 ATP World Tour season.

DOUBLES LOVE

Congratulations to the Bryan brothers on winning the ATP World Tour doubles final earlier today and thus securing themselves as the year end #1 team for the fifth time in their careers. The brothers defeated Miryni/Ram in straight sets. This week the doubles game had a strong showing in London and for the first time people around the world were able to view the matches live. The new doubles format in addition to the wonderful skill of the players created an exciting week of tennis for the doubles players. After the doubles game was close to extinction a few years back it seems that the game is headed back in the right direction as it should be. Next time you’re at a tournament check these guys out and watch their amazing skills!