Watch Rafael Nadal vs Nikolay Davydenko Live StreamingNight Session 7 pm GMT (2 pm ET)
Both players are in danger of making an early exit from the competition so a win is vital. For Rafael Nadal that might be a blessing in disguise with the Spaniard’s ridiculously extended season taking its toll not just physically but mentally.
Nadal has half an eye on next month’s Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic. It’s a tough schedule for the world number two, with just three weeks break before the 2010 season kicks off down under.
Watch Rafael Nadal vs Nikolay Davydenko Live Streaming“My aim is still to be fighting and practicing hard to be ready to compete another time,” Nadal said in the aftermath of his defeat to Soderling. “Sometimes you have great moments, sometimes worse moments. This probably is one of those worse moments for me right now. I just have to accept and work to improve the situation. This year it is going to be extremely hard to finish really well. I believe in myself that I can come back playing well next year.”
Nadal seems resigned to the fact that his best tennis isn’t going to happen for him this week. After the loss against Soderling, it will be a tough ask for him to overcome Davydenko, one of the fastest and most battle-hardened competitors on the circuit. When they played in Shanghai last month, Nadal was worn down 7-6, 6-3.