Top-seeded David Ferrer was sensationally denied a place in the final of the Qatar Open on Friday by forgotten man Nikolay Davydenko, who will play world No.10 Richard Gasquet in the decider.
The 31-year-old Russian Davydenko, without a win over a top 10 player in 15 attempts, and without an appearance in a final for 21 months, clinched a stunning 6-2 6-3 win over one of the tour’s most tenacious players.
Davydenko beat the Spaniard with a bullying brilliance which reminded people a little of the successive victories he produced over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when he capture the title in Doha three years ago.
Since then Davydenko has been hit by injuries, loss of form, and even loss of direction, sinking to an eight-year low of world number 50 last year. He is still outside the top 40.
Now he showed how keen he is make good his ambition for one last bid to regain a top 20 place, smacking the ball hard and flat, striking it early, and taking cleverly judged risks in coming to the net.
Ferrer is almost certain to overtake Nadal as world number four after the Australian Open, the year’s first grand slam, which begins in little more than a week’s time in Melbourne.
He is also coming from the best year of his career, in which he won more titles, seven, and more matches, 76, than any other player. But now he was knocked from side to side by a player reborn.
“I didn’t have a chance against that,” said Ferrer. “He was just better than me in every way. He served better, he hit the ball better, and he played really well.”
Davydenko, who will face Richard Gasquet in Saturday’s final and who has neither dropped a set nor lost a service game all week, showed early signs that he was going to deliver a very special performance.
“I have waited a long time for when I would reach a final again,” said Davydenko.
“This a very good result for me, but I must go step by step.
“I can play faster and then I feel I can beat anyone. And that will be the key in the final.”
Frenchman Gasquet overcame German giant-killer Daniel Brands 7-5 7-5 to reach the final.
“I am feeling confident about my game and feel I can do well again. Now I want to win the tournament.”