Chennai, Oct 22 (IANS) World No.6 and Russia No.1, Nikolay Davydenko will participate in the $450,000 ATP Chennai Open to be held here from Jan 5-11.
Winner of 14 ATP titles, Davydenko, nicknamed 'The Iron Man' for making most appearances in an ATP calendar year or sometimes 'The Machine' due to his aggressive, consistent style of play, will be making his debut at the Chennai Open.
He registered his biggest career title to date at the Miami Masters 2008. He defeated Andy Roddick in the semi-final and World No.1 Rafael Nadal in the final enroute to the title.
Davydenko's best result in a Grand Slam tournament has been reaching the semi-finals, which he has done on four occasions - twice each at the French Open and the US Open. His consistency has also helped him gain a berth in the season-ending Shanghai Masters event.
Confirming his participation, Davydenko said: 'I am very excited to play at the Chennai Open. The tournament has become very popular on the circuit. This is also my first visit to India. So I am looking forward to playing there. I hope to make a good start to the New Year and improve my performance playing in this tournament.'
Fernando Soler, Tournament Director, Chennai Open 2009, said: 'Davydenko is an aggressive player and one of the consistent performers on the circuit today. He is an exciting prospect and I am sure the Chennai crowd will enjoy some great tennis action from this champion player.'
V. Narayanan, President, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA), said: 'It is heartening to note that a top-10 player has confirmed his participation so early for Chennai Open. It augurs well for the tournament which is now in an unprecedented 14th year. We are confident that the enthusiastic crowds of Chennai will have a treat watching Davydenko live in action.'
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