Andy Murray's sky-high ride to the
lucrative Tennis Masters Cup semifinals came to an abrupt end Saturday, as
Nikolay Davydenko closed strong in both sets to reach the final at the $4.45
million season-ending tournament.
Murray, coming off a dramatic and emotional three-set victory over Roger
Federer on Friday, started on solid footing in both sets, but couldn't
withstand a fierce Davydenko barrage late. The Russian downed Scotland's young
star, 7-5, 6-2.
The round-robin format brought plenty of casualties to the courts in
Shanghai, leaving Murray the only player unscathed entering Saturday's
semifinals. Murray went 3-0 to win the Red Group, while Davydenko finished 2-1
in the Gold Group, with a loss earlier in the week to Serbian Novak Djokovic,
who will be his opponent in Sunday's final.
The Australian Open champion Djokovic rallied to down Frenchman Gilles Simon,
4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Saturday's other semifinal. Simon finished 2-1 in Red Group
play, and like Murray, defeated Federer at the beginning of red-round play.
"Final is something special," said Djokovic. "Every player has a motive more
to do well and to win the title. I didn't win a title for a long time already,
since Rome, so I would like to end up my season in a good way."
Federer's stunning exit still permeated the event on Saturday. It was the
first time the Swiss superstar hadn't reached the semifinals at the season-
ending event in seven tries.
Murray was to thank for that, yet the Scot's fortunes changed on Saturday.
Davydenko used a powerful first serve and broke through on 2-of-8 break
chances to steal the opening set. Murray was below 50 percent on his first
serve and had just one break opportunity in the first set.
The second set was a tidal wave of Davydenko forehands and flawless play. He
was a perfect 8-for-8 on first-serve point opportunities and didn't face a
break over his four service games.
"I think Davydenko will win," said Murray. "Djokovic had a long match today.
Davydenko's probably going to be fresher. I think that should make a big
difference."
Djokovic's trip to the finals was slightly more arduous in a match that
extended to nearly three hours. Simon was nearly unbeatable with his first
serve in the opening set, winning 13-of-14 first serve points. He won just 1-
of-6 break chances, but it was good enough to take the set.
The second set was a complete 180-degree turn, as Djokovic had all of the
break opportunities, and like Simon, he converted on just one. However, also
like the Frenchman, the one break was good enough to force a third and
deciding set.
Three double faults from Simon in the third set weighed heavily on his service
games, and Djokovic took two breaks to slip into the winner's circle.
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