Quote machine: Nikolay Davydenko

Nicolay Davydenko

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Formerly the Tour’s man of mystery, Nikolay Davydenko clinched a stunning Barclays ATP World Tour Final victory this week and endeared himself to the tennis public in the process.

Producing a string of gutsy performances, the Ukrainian-born Russian defeated all three of this year’s Grand Slam winners and recorded a first career victory over Roger Federer at the thirteenth attempt in the semi-final. A wonderful show of humility in apologising to the crowd after defeating fan-favourite Rafael Nadal was the icing on the cake – Nikolay, we are huge fans.

Best of all, our new favourite Russian (sorry Marat) delivered his fair share of verbal gems to the assorted press throughout the showpiece event…

Davydenko’s top ten quotes

• “I have problem with my breathing. Some doctors say maybe asthma, some say maybe allergy, some say bronchitis.” Just imagine what he could do with a fully functioning set of lungs…

• Ever felt undervalued? The Russian has been pinching souvenirs from Djokovic for his own fans. “Like before I see him, I say, I need just T-shirt for my fan from him. He say, Okay, let’s go change on the court. I say, Okay, we do change after the match.”

• On being asked how he felt after dismantling Nadal 6-1, 7-6. “Not so happy. It’s not like I won [the] tournament”.

• Responding to being told he looked tired towards the end against Nadal. ”…Because we running every point… Was not so easy. And, yeah, I am not like animal.”

• On why he has no racquet sponsor. “Because Prince no money. I know Prince give everything to Sharapova and no money anymore.”

• Sounding reasonably confident ahead of his search for a first win over Roger Federer in thirteen attempts. “It’s like every 12 times I was coming and believe I can win, yeah? Maybe I start to play better and Federer not so good.”

• Just how did he beat Federer? “I think that’s what everybody wanting asking.”

• In reply to a typically long-winded question from a hack… “Well, you speak so interesting English, I didn’t understand a word.”

• Asked if he sleeps alone between matches. “Come on. I have wife. Come on, come on. What do you want, two girls, three girls, four girls? I came Russian, but I’m not Safin.”

• Eight days work for just under £1million, but Davydenko still counts the pennies like the rest of us. “I want to buy apartment still. I didn’t buy apartment in Moscow. Still expensive. I wait. Maybe start to be cheaper.”