Ladies and gents, the winner of the 2009 Shanghai Survivor Series….Daveydenko

How about a big hand for our prematurely balding Russian? Sure, one can argue that Nadal was having an “off” day but anyone who watched the final would have tuned into a fine display of tennis by Daveydenko. Will say it again, fortune favors the brave and Daveydenko did just that. We often chastise the Russian for his “by-the-book” game but Daveydenko can be devastating when you allow him to hit from inside the baseline. Against Nadal, he did just that. He hit some exquisite backhands all match long and stuck to the game plan. Also, take note of his excellent movement; nothing flashy, but extremely effective.

Hey Nadal, what happened to your game circa January 2009?

With the rest of the tour on the sidelines, it was a great opportunity for Nadal to build some momentum into the off season. Sure, he got to the final, but can’t say he played anywhere near his best tennis. Although you can’t necessarily say he’s struggling since Roland Garros, but the aura from January 2009 has definitely evaporated. Mr. Soderling, what have you started?

Ps. Read Peter Bodo’s take on Nadal here, it’s a good one.

http://tennisworld.typepad.com/tennisworld/2009/10/mornin-folks-i-appear-to-have-survived.html

WTA report….

Um..there really isn’t much to report….hate to say this but where did the stars go? We would like to congratulate Sam Stosur for winning her maiden singles title. But other that than, there really has been nothing….has the off season started already ladies??