The Davis Cup semi-finals take place this weekend but without Russia to the relief of Nicolay Davydenko.
Davydenko has been a stalwart for his country in the competition, winning fifteen out of twenty four rubbers and helping them to success in 2002 and 2006. However he’s been a noticeable absentee this year, not competing in the shock 4-1 defeat to Israel back in July.
Davydenko says he finds it difficult to compete with the elite on the ATP tour and play Davis Cup as well. “I’m not disappointed but happy we’re not playing in the semi-finals,” he said. “Every match in Davis Cup drain enormous energy from players. You play two matches in five sets and you are dead. I can not play tournaments for two weeks after Davis Cup. Sometimes, you have to think about yourself".
It’s a view shared by Roger Federer and Andy Murray among others at the top of the game. Both tend to compete for their countries on an ad hoc basis, when the mood takes them.
Davydenko insists that he will be back for Davis Cup in 2010, he’s definitely not retired from it.
He will be an interested spectator at the weekend and picks a Spain – Croatia final. "I think Croatia will beat the Czech Republic. Clay is good surface for them, No one on the Czech team is a claycourter either."
Do you agree with Davydenko ? Latest Betfair Davis Cup odds are below:
Spain (1/41) vs Israel (12/1)
Croatia (7/12) vs Czech Republic (42/41)
