Nikolay Davydenko Blogs from The Hypo Group Tennis International

Nikolay Davydenko, world number 4, is playing this week at The Hypo Group Tennis International, Poertschach, Austria.

In his first post Nikolay talks about why he likes to play in Poertschach, when he arrived and with who... he also post a funny picture of himself fishing ...

This is not the first time Davydenko makes the ATP Blog he did it in 2006 as well so let's see what Nikolay has to say in his first post shall we???.....


Hello again! Welcome to my blog from the Hypo Group International in Pörtschach, Austria. It sure seems a long time since I last blogged from Beijing in September 2006.

I arrived in Pörtschach with my wife, Irina, and other family members on Saturday afternoon after a four-hour trip from Cologne. I first played at the tournament in 2002, when it was contested in St. Pölten, and have returned every year since because I like the atmosphere. The town is very small and quiet, the hotel is within walking distance from the stadium and it really provides perfect preparation for Roland Garros. I’ve also been lucky to pick up a couple of titles here!

My confidence has definitely been fuelled this year by big wins such as at Masters Series Miami in March, and it has been tremendous that Irina, my nephew Philip and brother and coach Eduard have been able to travel with me during the season. Philip is 15 years old and unfortunately lost in qualifying for the event on Saturday, but he has helped me prepare for many tournaments this year, icnluding Indian Wells, Miami and Estoril. This has also helped him get a sense of playing on the ATP circuit. It will stand him in good stead in future years.

Eduard and I practiced for 30 minutes on Saturday before rain spoiled our preparations. We trained again today for only 10 minutes outdoors before running for the indoor courts. After two hours we decided to try our hand at fishing – I was mucking around a little when I tried on my father’s glasses. I just wanted to see what I looked like. We didn’t have any luck and after one hour returned to the club for further practice. With variable conditions, particularly as this time of the year, it can dent your confidence if you play in windy or damp conditions. This week the aim is to win matches and arrive in Paris feeling good about my preparations.

Tonight I’ll take the family to an Austrian restaurant for dinner in the nearby town. It’s been raining so much since I have been here that I apologize for not writing a great deal about what I have been up to in this first blog.

Nikolay


Blog From http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/blog/davydenko.asp

Photo © Nikolay Davydenko