ATP Tour - Rankings: Davydenko out of top 10

Eurosport - Mon, 27 Apr 11:35:00 2009

Russia's Nikolay Davydenko has slipped out of the world's top 10 for the first time in nearly four years.

TENNIS Nikolay Davydenko from Russia reacts after missing a point during his Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament semifinal match against Rafael Nadal from Spain - 0

Davydenko reached the semi-finals in Barcelona last weekend but his injury plagued start to the season has finally caught up with him

World number one Rafael Nadal was the only player in the top five to have played last week and he kept the points he won last season with another dominant display in Barcelona.

1. Rafael Nadal, Spain - Last Week's Result: The King of Clay improved his career record to 24-1 in clay court finals with a 6-2 7-5 victory over countryman David Ferrer for his fifth straight title in Barcelona.

He has now compiled an eye-popping 142-4 match record on clay since 2005 and goes into Rome this week with a 25-match winning streak on clay since his last loss to Juan Carlos Ferrero in Rome last year.

Year in Review: The 22-year-old Mallorca native has won three titles, reached another final and advanced to two quarter-finals in his first six tournaments of the season en route to a 29-3 record. Captured his sixth career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, his first on hard courts, with a five-set victory over rival Federer. In his semi-final victory over countryman Fernando Verdasco, won a tournament record 5:14 battle in five sets. He became the first Spaniard to win the Australian title and third player under the age of 22 to win three of four Grand Slam titles, joining Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras. Also the first player to win Aussie Open title winning five-set semi-final and final matches since Mats Wilander in 1988. In March, collected his 13th career Masters title in Indian Wells for the second time in three years with a 6-1 6-2 victory over number four Murray. He saved the most match points (five) in his career in the fourth round against David Nalbandian, all coming in the second set before prevailing 6-0 in the final set. In addition to Murray, his other top-10 wins came over number six Del Potro in the quarter-finals and number seven Andy Roddick in the semis. He followed with the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Led 3-0 (two breaks) in the third set against number seven ranked Del Potro before losing in a tie-break. In mid-February, reached third career indoor final (1-2) in Rotterdam and injured his right knee in three-set loss to Murray. Withdrew from Dubai but returned for first-round Davis Cup tie against Serbia, winning both of his singles matches, over Janko Tipsarevic and world number three Djokovic in straight sets. Has won 12 straight Davis Cup matches since losing in his debut five years ago. Opened his clay court campaign with a 6-3 2-6 6-1 victory over number three seed Novak Djokovic in the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master. The Spaniard won his 14th career ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title and record fifth straight crown in Monte-Carlo.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

2. Roger Federer, Switzerland - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The Swiss superstar is looking for his first title after compiling an 18-5 match record in the first four months. He opened the first month with a semi-final in Doha and followed with runner-up at the Australian Open, falling to rival Rafael Nadal in five sets. It was his first loss in a Grand Slam hard court final (8-1) and he fell short of tying Sampras's all-time record of 14 Slam titles (13-5 in finals. He then withdrew from Dubai and first-round Davis Cup tie versus the US with a back injury. Returned from a six-week lay-off due and advanced to the semi-finals in Indian Wells, defeating number 17 Fernando Gonzalez and number 10 Verdasco before losing to Murray for the fourth-straight time. Followed with a 3-6 6-2 6-3 loss to Djokovic in the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. It was his fourth loss in a decisive set (third or fifth set) and has a 3-4 record in those matches. He opened his clay court campaign at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, losing in the third round to countryman Stanislas Wawrinka 6-4 7-5. It was his first loss to a countryman since Marc Rosset in 2000. He married long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec in his hometown of Basel on Aprril 11.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

3. Novak Djokovic, Serbia - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The 21-year-old Serb has a 26-9 match record this season. He picked up his first title of the year on February 28 in Dubai by defeating Spaniard David Ferrer. In the first month of action he advanced to the semi-finals in Sydney and followed with a quarter-final at the Australian Open where he retired against Roddick due to heat illness. He returned to action in Marseille and lost to eventual champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-finals. Played in first round Davis Cup tie against 2008 champions Spain and lost to Ferrer and Nadal. In March came in as defending champion at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and lost in the quarter-finals to number seven Roddick 6-3 6-2. Followed by reaching his second final of the season at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he defeated number two Federer in the semi-finals before falling to Murray 6-2 7-5. The Monte-Carlo resident opened his clay court campaign by reaching the final at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters with three consecutive three-set wins before losing to ATP World Tour number one Rafael Nadal 6-3 2-6 6-1. It was his second straight runner-up finish in an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

4. Andy Murray, Great Britain - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The British star is off to a career-best 29-3 start, including an 8-2 mark against top-10 opponents (both losses coming to Nadal). In his first seven tournaments he has won three titles and reached another final. He opened the season by defending his title in Doha with back-to-back wins over Federer and Roddick. Held serve 47 of 50 games throughout the tournament. Then followed with a fourth-round showing at the Australian Open where he lost to Spaniard Verdasco for first time (5-1) in five sets. In February, defeated Nadal in three sets in Rotterdam final to capture his 10th title. Two weeks later advanced to the quarter-finals in Dubai where he withdrew due to a virus against Richard Gasquet. Also pulled out of first round Davis Cup European zone home tie against Ukraine. He returned in March to reach the final at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, falling to Nadal 6-1 6-2. En route to the title match, beat number 15 Tommy Robredo in the fourth round and Federer in the semi-finals for the fourth consecutive time since losing in last year's US Open final. Followed by capturing his third title of the season at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with his third career Masters crown over Djokovic 6-2 7-5. He became the first British player in the tournament's 25-year history to win the title. The 21-year-old Scot advanced to his first career semifinal on clay at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, defeating number nine ranked Nikolay Davydenko in the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champion Nadal 6-2 7-6(4).

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

5. Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The youngest player in the top 10 is off to a career-best 18-6 start, reaching the quarter-finals or better in six of seven tournaments. He began the season by capturing his fifth career title in Auckland. He followed by advancing to his second straight Grand Slam quarter-final at the Australian Open (defeated Cilic, lost to Federer). Jumped from ninth to sixth after Auckland title on January 19. The top South American also advanced to back-to-back quarter-finals in San Jose (lost to Fish) and Memphis (lost to Stepanek). In March, reached the quarter-finals at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells where he won three matches before falling to number one and eventual champion Nadal 6-2 6-4. He then advanced to his first semi-final in a Masters tournament at the Sony Ericsson in Miami where he posted the biggest win of his career over Nadal in the quarter-finals. Trailed 0-3 (two breaks) in the third set before winning in a tie-break for his first win in five meetings against Nadal. Afterwards, moved from seventh to a career-high fifth on April 6. The 20-year-old Argentine lost his opening round clay court match (after a bye) to former number three Ivan Ljubicic 4-6 6-1 6-4 at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

6. Andy Roddick, United States - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The Austin, Texas resident has a 26-5 record, third-most match wins on the Tour. He opened the season by reaching the final in Doha and advancing to his fourth semi-final at the Australian Open. Moved from number nine to six afterwards. Continued success in February with semi-final in San Jose and title in Memphis. Improved his title streak to nine consecutive years (since 2001) with his 27th career title, third-most among active players (behind Federer-57, Nadal-33). He led the US to a 4-1 first round Davis Cup victory over the Federer-less Switzerland squad with straight-set wins over Marco Chiudinelli and Stanislas Wawrinka. He faced only one break point in six sets of action en route to becoming the second most victorious player in US Davis Cup history with 31 match wins (trailing only John McEnroe with 41). Has a 21-2 career record at home in Davis Cup play. In March, advanced to the semi-finals for the third time at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells where he defeated number 12 David Ferrer in the fourth round and number three and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals before falling to number one and eventual winner Rafael Nadal 6-4 7-6(4). The top American then reached the quarter-finals at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with a win over number 10 ranked Gael Monfils in the fourth round before falling in three sets to number two Roger Federer. Married Brooklyn Decker on April 17 in Austin, Texas.

Next Tournament: Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid (May 10-17)

7. Gilles Simon, France - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The top Frenchman has compiled a 14-10 record and advanced to the quarter-finals or better in three of his first eight tournaments. After opening the season with an opening round loss in Sydney, reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the Australian Open (lost to eventual champion Nadal). Then lost in the second round at Rotterdam (lost to Ancic) before reaching back-to-back semi-finals in Marseille (lost to Llodra) and Dubai (lost to eventual champion Djokovic). He had a tough Davis Cup debut against the Czech Republic, losing to Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek in France's 3-2 first round loss in Ostrava. Of the six sets he lost, four came in tie-breaks. In March he reached the third round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with a three-set win over Yen-Hsun Lu before losing to Ivan Ljubicic 6-3 7-6(3). At the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, the French native reached the fourth round (after a bye) with wins over former world number one Lleyton Hewitt and number 29 seed Rainer Schuettler before losing to countryman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in three sets. He began the clay court campaign with a 7-5 6-1 opening round (after a bye) loss to German qualifier Andreas Beck at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

8. Fernando Verdasco, Spain - Last Week's Result: In his home country, the Madrid native advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in Barcelona, losing to Fernando Gonzalez in three sets.

Year in Review: The Spanish left-hander is off to a career-best 19-6 start and he reached a career-high number seven on April 20. He has reached the quarter-finals or better in all six tournaments. He opened the first month of the season winning nine of 11 matches, highlighted by his first ATP World Tour hard court final in Brisbane (lost to Stepanek). He followed that with a career-best semi-final showing at Australian Open. He posted back-to-back wins over world number four Murray in five sets in fourth round and number six Tsonga in quarter-final before falling in an epic five-set marathon to countryman and world number one Nadal. He played the longest singles match in tournament history (5:14) and afterwards broke into top 10 for first time at number nine (from number 15) on February 2. He injured his left foot in Australia and withdrew from Dubai and first round Davis Cup tie vs. Serbia. He spent one month working with former Andre Agassi fitness guru Gil Reyes in Las Vegas. He returned to action in March and reached the quarterfinals for the first time at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with three wins before losing to number two Roger Federer 6-3 7-6(5). The Madrid native reached his first quarter-final at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, highlighted by wins over 32th seed and countryman Feliciano Lopez and 18th seed Radek Stepanek before falling to eventual champion Andy Murray. He opened his clay court campaign by reaching the quarterfinals at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, losing to number three Novak Djokovic in three sets.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

9. Gael Monfils, France - Last Week's Result: Did not play (withdrew from Barcelona due to right knee injury) and pulled out of Rome this week.

Year in Review: The 22-year-old Frenchman has a 15-8 match record and one of two players (with Verdasco) to crack the top 10 for the first time this year. He opened the season with a semi-final in Doha, defeating Nadal in quarter-finals before losing to Roddick in three sets. Followed with fourth round at the Australian Open where he retired with a right wrist injury (after three sets) against countryman Gilles Simon. He broke into the top 10 for first time on February 23 and made Acapulco debut by reaching final (lost to Almagro), his sixth straight runner-up. In March in Indian Wells, lost opening round match (after a bye) to big-serving American John Isner 6-7(5) 6-1 6-4. He did advance to the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, saving two match points in a three-set victory over Marat Safin before losing to Andy Roddick 7-6(2) 6-4.

Next Tournament: Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid (May 10-17)

10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The number three Frenchman has advanced to the quarter-finals or better in seven of eight tournaments this season en route to a 25-5 match record, which is second on the Tour. Last year he didn't win his 25th match until mid-October in Madrid. Has already captured titles in Johannesburg (defeated Chardy) and Marseille (defeated Llodra) in the first two months. Made his second appearance in Davis Cup play and accounted for France's two points in 3-2 loss to Czech Republic with singles wins over Radek Stepanek and Jan Hernych in dead rubber. In mid-March, reached the third round at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, defeating Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili in his opening match (after a bye) before falling to number 22 Igor Andreev. Followed with a quarter-final showing at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, defeating countryman Gilles Simon in three sets before falling to eventual finalist Novak Djokovic.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

11. Nikolay Davydenko, Russia - Last Week's Result: The 27-year-old Russian advanced to the semi-finals in Barcelona, posting back-to-back three set wins over Feliciano Lopez and Radek Stepanek before losing to eventual champion Nadal.

Fell out of the Top 10 this week for the first time since May 23, 2005.

Year in Review: The top Russian has played in only four tournaments this year (7-2 record) due to the heel injury he suffered in the first week in Chennai where he withdrew from his second round match. Also withdrew from Indian Wells and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he captured the title last year due to a left heel injury. Fell from number five to number nine after his title points came off on April 6th. Also withdrew from Australian Open, breaking a streak of 29 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments played (since 2001 US Open). Returned to action one month later in Rotterdam and lost in the second round. After a two-month absence due to a left heel injury, he returned in mid-April to reach the quarter-finals at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, defeating number 12 seed David Nalbandian before losing to number four Andy Murray 7-6(1) 6-4.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

12. Stanislas Wawrinka, Switzerland - Last Week's Result: The Swiss number two lost to Radek Stepanek in three sets in the third round (after a first round bye) in Barcelona.

Year in Review: The Swiss native has a 12-7 record on the season. He opened with a first round exit in Chennai and followed with third round at the Australian Open (lost to Berdych). He accounted for his country's lone point in a 4-1 first round Davis Cup loss to the US, defeating James Blake in the first rubber. Lost doubles match (w/Allegro) to the Bryans and fell to Roddick in straight sets in the fourth rubber, which clinched the tie. He then competed at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Andreas Seppi and Sam Querrey (saving two match points) before falling in two tie-breaks to world number three and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the fourth round. He followed that with another fourth round (after a bye) effort at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he beat Andreas Seppi and number 20 seed Igor Andreev before falling in two tie-breaks to world number one Rafael Nadal in a two hour and 43 minutes battle. He opened his clay court campaign by reaching the semi-finals at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters with his first win over countryman Roger Federer in the third round before losing to Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-1 6-3. Moved from 16th to number12 afterwards.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

13. Fernando Gonzalez, Chile - Last Week's Result: Took a wild card into Barcelona and reached the semi-finals with a win over number seven ranked Fernando Verdasco before losing to David Ferrer in a third set tie-break.

Year in Review: The top Chilean has a 13-4 match record on the season. He reached the fourth round at the Australian Open (losing. to eventual champ Nadal) after defeating Frenchman Richard Gasquet 12-10 in the fifth set. He then repeated his title on home soil in Vina del Mar (beating Acasuso) and for fourth time in his career. He withdrew from first round Davis Cup tie vs. Croatia due to back injury but returned in March to reach the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over former number one Lleyton Hewitt and number 13 James Blake before losing to number two Roger Federer in three sets. Afterwards he improved his ranking from number 17 to number 13. He then made a third round exit (after a bye) at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, defeating Igor Kunitsyn 6-4 6-4 before falling to number 18 seed Radek Stepanek 7-6(1) 6-4.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

14. David Ferrer, Spain - Last Week's Result: The 27-year-old Spaniard reached his second ATP World Tour final of the season in Barcelona, falling to countryman and ATP World Tour number one Rafael Nadal in a repeat of last year's title match.

Year in Review: The number three Spaniard (behind number one Nadal and number eight Verdasco) has compiled a 23-9 match record, advancing to the semi-finals or better in four of his first nine tournaments. He opened with a semi-final appearance in Auckland (lost to Querrey) before suffering third round exit at the Australian Open (lost to Cilic). He then advanced to the semi-finals in Johannesburg (lost to Chardy) at the start of February and later that month reached his 13th career ATP World Tour final (7-6 record) in Dubai (lost to number three Djokovic). In the first round Davis Cup tie vs. Serbia, helped his country to a 4-1 victory with wins over world number three Novak Djokovic in opener and Viktor Troicki in dead rubber to close the tie. Spain will host Germany in the quarterfinals in July. In mid-March, he reached the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Todd Widom and Jeremy Chardy before losing to number seven Andy Roddick in three sets. He then reached the fourth round (after a bye) at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with back-to-back three-set wins over John Isner and number 17 seed Marin Cilic before losing to number seven ranked Juan Martin del Potro. Reached the third round at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters before losing to countryman Fernando Verdasco 6-2 6-1.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

15. Marin Cilic, Croatia - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The top Croat is off to a career-best 19-5 start with World Tour titles in Chennai (defeated Devvarman) and Zagreb (defeated Ancic). He also advanced to the fourth round at the Australian Open for the second straight year and the quarter-finals in Dubai (lost to Djokovic both times). In first round Davis Cup play, helped his country to a 5-0 victory over visiting Chile by winning singles match (defeated Massu) and doubles match (w/Ancic). Croatia will host the US in the quarter-final in July. In March, reached the third round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with a win over Steve Darcis before losing to Tommy Robredo 7-5 7-6(2). He then reached the third round (after a bye) for the second straight tournament at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with a three-set win over Amer Delic before losing to number 11 seed David Ferrer 3-6 6-3 6-4. He opened his clay court season with a second round exit at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (defeat Cipolla, lost to Fognini).

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3 )

16. James Blake, United States - Last Week's Result: Did not play.

Year in Review: The number two American has compiled a 9-7 record with a fourth round at the Australian Open (lost to Tsonga), semi-final in San Jose (lost to Fish) and a pair of third round exits in Indian Wells and Miami. Fell to number 17 on April 6 (from 14). Helped the US to a 4-1 first round Davis Cup victory over Switzerland in Birmingham, Alabama by defeating Marco Chiudinelli in dead rubber. Lost to Stanislas Wawrinka in four sets in the opening rubber. At the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, posted a three-set win over Jarkko Nieminen before losing to number 17 Fernando Gonzalez 7-5 6-1. Reached the third round (after a bye) at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, defeating Julien Benneteau 6-4 6-4 before exiting to number 21 seed Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-7(3) 6-3. He came in as the top seed into his first clay court tournament of the season in Houston and lost to former Argentine top 10 Guillermo Canas 6-4 6-4 in the first round.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

17. Tommy Robredo, Spain - Last Week's Result: The Spaniard advanced to the quarter-finals on home soil in Barcelona, falling to countryman David Ferrer 6-3 6-4.

Year in Review: The 26-year-old Spaniard has jumped off to a career-best 24-8 start (17-4 on clay) highlighted by back-to-back clay court titles in Costa do Sauipe (defeated Bellucci) and Buenos Aires (defeated Monaco). Last year he didn't win his 24th match until July in Bastad. He compiled a 12-match winning streak and won 14 of 16 matches on clay during the four week Latin American circuit. In January, he reached the second round in Sydney (lost to Ancic) and the fourth round at the Australian Open (lost to Roddick). Played in Davis Cup doubles match (w/Lopez) and lost to Troicki-Zimonjic although Spain beat Serbia 4-1. In mid-March, he advanced to the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Igor Kunitsyn and number 19 Marin Cilic before retiring with a right wrist injury against number four Andy Murray in the second set. He followed that with a third round showing at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami where he beat Jan Hernych in the opening round match (after a bye) before getting upset by number 467 ranked Taylor Dent in the third round. In his first European clay court outing, he reached the second round at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (defeating Schuettler, losing to Monaco).

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

18. David Nalbandian, Argentina - Last Week's Result: The Cordoba native reached the quarter-finals in Barcelona but a right hip injury forced the Argentine to withdraw prior to a scheduled showdown with Nadal. Also withdrew from Rome this week.

Year in Review: The number two Argentine has a 14-6 match record on the season. He opened the season by capturing an ATP World Tour title for the fifth consecutive year, in Sydney (defeated Nieminen). Overall it was his 10th career ATP World Tour title. He fell to Yen-Hsun Lu in the second round of the Australian Open. In February, he advanced to the semi-finals in Buenos Aires (losing to Monaco) and the following week in Acapulco he was upset by Austrian qualifier Daniel Koellerer in the first round. In mid-March, he reached the fourth round (after a bye) at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with wins over Robert Kendrick and Viktor Troicki before falling in three sets to world number one and eventual champion Rafael Nadal 3-6 7-6(5) 6-0 in two hours and 55 minutes. Held five match points in the second set but couldn't convert. Then suffered a surprise opening round loss (after a bye) to Serb Viktor Troicki 6-1 6-3 at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. In his European tournament opener, he won back-to-back three set matches over Paul-Henri Mathieu and Marcel Granollers before losing to number nine ranked Nikolay Davydenko 6-4 5-7 6-3 in the third round at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

Next Tournament: Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid (May 10-17)

19. Radek Stepanek, Czech Republic - Last Week's Result: The top Czech Republic native reached the quarter-finals in Barcelona, losing to Nikolay Davydenko in three sets.

Year in Review: At 30, he is the oldest player in the Top 20 South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings. One of four players (Nadal 5, Murray 4, Djokovic 3) to reach at least three ATP World Tour finals this year, winning titles in Brisbane (defeating Verdasco) and San Jose (defeating Roddick in semi-finals, Fish in the final) and reaching the final in Memphis (lost to Roddick). He is off to a personal-best 22-8 start and last year he didn't win his 22nd match until Roland Garros in June. He won his first two career ATP World Tour titles in a span of 152 tournaments and this year won twice in his first four outings. He clinched his country's 3-2 first round Davis Cup victory over France by defeating world number eight Gilles Simon. Also won the doubles match (w/Berdych) over Gasquet-Llodra and lost second singles rubber to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Czech Republic will host last year's finalist Argentina in the quarter-finals in July. In Indian Wells, he lost in the opening round (after a bye) to Sam Querrey. He followed that at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with wins over Bobby Reynolds and number 12 seed Fernando Gonzalez to reach the fourth round (after a bye) before falling to number eight Fernando Verdasco. Began his clay court campaign with a first round loss to qualifier Nicolas Lapentti 6-3 1-6 6-3 at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

20. Marat Safin, Russia - Last Week's Result: The Russian lost in the first round to Argentine Juan Monaco 6-4 6-1 in Barcelona.

Year in Review: The 29-year-old Moscow native is 6-7 for the season with his best results - the third round at the Australian Open (losing to Federer) and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 stops in Indian Wells (losing to Isner) and Miami (losing to Monfils). Four of his losses have come in a decisive third set and two of his last three losses have come after holding match points. In his opening clay court tournament at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, he beat rival Lleyton Hewitt in the first round before squandering a 4-0 third set lead and three match points in a 7-6(6) 2-6 7-6(6) second round loss to Nicolas Lapentti.

Next Tournament: Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome (April 27-May 3)

ATP World Tour.com / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 11 of 11

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  1. It would be nice for Federer to win quite a lot of­ points in Italy given that he has plenty to defend in­ the next 2 months

    From hadjeseles, on Mon 27 Apr 9:04PM
  2. So Davydenko out of the top 10 even though he reached­ the semi finals last week.Could be quite a few changes­ in the top 10 soon young up coming players doing­ well.Good luck to them all.

    From AJ, on Mon 27 Apr 6:33PM
  3. incredible difference in the English version to Spanish­ ..... The English version of Eurosport is much better­ than the Spanish ... and I'm Spanish!

    From , on Mon 27 Apr 4:58PM
  4. Yes lets!! wait and see. Djokovic is as good as Murray­ on clay, Murray is physically stronger.

    From faeelisabethc, on Mon 27 Apr 3:11PM
  5. I can see Murray moving up to the number three spot­ quiet easily !!

    From Tim, on Mon 27 Apr 2:29PM
  6. The speed and steepness of Blake's decline never­ ceases to amaze me.

    From joelsimsam, on Mon 27 Apr 1:52PM
  7. How come the Rome drawsheet shows Davydenko as # 4 and­ Murray as #3? Isn't Djoko defending his Rome title?­ Now I'm confused because this article seems to­ imply Dkojo is playing..

    From Bali, Maha, on Mon 27 Apr 1:29PM
  8. the world needs more players like federer and novak and­ less like nadal and murray,..they are ruining the­ beauty of the sport that federer showed for the last­ few years,... especially murray.. very ugly play!

    From Jane, on Mon 27 Apr 12:31PM
  9. Xence, if you're going to be pedantic about the­ article, make sure you spell the name of the player­ you're writing about correctly. Otherwise, you just­ leave yourself open to other people being pedantic with­ you.

    From belfastfootball, on Mon 27 Apr 12:06PM
  10. cilic lost to del porto in this year's Australian­ Open, not to Djokovic again.

    From xence, on Mon 27 Apr 11:16AM
  11. Murray next week after Rome third,after Madrid­ second.After that? well lets wait and see

    From kirovrtanoski, on Mon 27 Apr 11:05AM
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