Estoril Open News and Events

Nikolay Davydenko, 2003 champion

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Former champion Nikolay Davydenko of Russia will return to the Estoril Open for the sixth time in his career from 12-20 April 2008. For the first time in the history of the clay-court tournament two players in the Top 4 of the South African Airways ATP Rankings.

ATP World No. 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland confirmed his participation at the event in September last year.

Davydenko beat Russian compatriot Yevgeny Kafelnikov en route to the 2003 title, where heat beat Agustin Calleri of Argentina 6-4, 6-3 in the final. At the Estoril Open two years ago World No. 4 Davydenko was runner-up to David Nalbandian 6-3, 6-4.

The 26-year-old Davydenko made a solid start to the 2008 ATP season, reaching the Doha semifinals (l. to Murray) and the Australian Open fourth round (l. to Youzhny).

In 2007, Davydenko finished in the Top 5 of the South African Airways ATP Rankings for the third straight year. The Muscovite has clinched 11 career singles titles since turning professional in 1999.