Russian Nikolay Davydenko claimed his second
title in three months on Sunday with a straight-sets victory over Argentinian
Agustin Calleri at the Estoril Open.
Davydenko posted a 6-4 6-3 victory in just 76 minutes on a windy day for his
first career claycourt championship.
The 21-year-old, who ousted countryman and sixth seed Yevgeny Kafelnikov in
the quarter-finals, improved to 13-10 on the year. He began 2003 with a
hardcourt title in Adelaide.
After Adelaide, Davydenko's luck took a turn for the worse as he failed to
advance past the quarter-finals in five straight tournaments and suffered a
broken left wrist against Magnus Norman at Memphis in February.
While out for a month, he trained using only his forehand and speeded up the
recovery. But a return in Miami resulted in a first-round defeat, followed by
another in Russia's embarrassing 5-0 Davis Cup loss to Argentina.
"After my injury, I lose two matches, then I win a tournament. I got into the
top 50, so this is an important week for me," Davydenko said.
The 26-year-old Calleri saved two match points before hitting a backhand into
the net.
"I tried to make no mistakes and tried to force him to go for winners," said
Davydenko, who warmed up indoors before battling the wind.
"I didn't feel so great, and I couldn't think about winning. The first set
was tough to play, but I don't know what happened in the second - he seemed to
have no concentration.
"I'm happy. Any time you win a tournament, it's great."
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