Davydenko denies Federer shot at title

LONDON – Roger Federer was eliminated from the ATP World Tour Finals on Saturday, losing to Nikolay Davydenko, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, in the semifinals.

Federer, who was broken three straight times in the first set, came within two points of winning while leading 5-4 in the third set. But Davydenko held on and then broke Federer to take a 6-5 lead before serving out the win.

“I was a couple of points away, but just couldn’t get it done,” said Federer, a four-time champion at the season-ending event. “He did well. I thought he played strong throughout, even though I don’t think it was the best match we ever played against each other.”

It was the Russian’s first win over the top-ranked Federer in 13 matches.

“All my family, everybody who supports me, wait for this moment, when I can beat Federer,” Davydenko said. “I was thinking it coming maybe 2010 or ‘11. But in 2009, end of the season, it’s good feeling.”

Davydenko will face US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in Sunday’s final. The 21-year-old Argentine advanced by beating Robin Soderling, 6-7 (1), 6-3, 7-6 (3).

Federer again struggled with his serve and his shot-making for much of the match, but he looked invincible throughout the third set, losing only three points on serve to hold easily through 5-4. And with Davydenko serving to stay in the match, Federer took a 30-0 lead when he returned an overhead smash from Davydenko by running across the court and jumping high to get his racket on the ball. (AP)