Last year in Doha, Nikolay Davydenko upended Roger Federer in the semifinals of the Qatar Open.  Then, the Russian stunned Rafael Nadal in the final to claim the title.  This time around, while Nadal fell victim in the semifinals to Davydenko, Federer exacted revenge.  The world number two cruised to a 6-3,6-4 victory over the defending champion to pocket his third trophy at this tournament.

Following a prompt hold, Federer provoked four consecutive miscues from Davydenko to break at love.  With Federer flubbing an easy backhand to go down 15-30, Davydenko had a chance to get back on serve.  However, Federer produced two forehand winners for game point and consolidated for 3-0.  Moving forward, Federer coasted on his service game.  Serving at 2-5, Davydenko fought off six break points before carrying the game.  With Davydenko’s pass sailing long, Federer arrived at set point for the first occasion on his serve and capitalized with a forehand winner.

In his initial two service games of the second set, Davydenko held with ease.  Then, serving at 2 all, Federer connected on a backhand crosscourt winner and a sublime forehand volley winner to put the Russian in a love-30 hole.  Fortunately, Davydenko encountered his first serve to maintain a 3-2 lead.  Still, the Russian’s problem continued to be his inability to dent Federer’s serve.  Serving at 4 all, Davydenko made a mistake with his backhand while Federer struck a backhand down the line winner on the next stroke.  As Davydenko double faulted, Federer had triple break point.  When Davydenko’s forehand traveled long, Federer secured the break and a 5-4 advantage.  Quickly with a love game, Federer finished off his adversary and took the championship.

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The next couple of weeks, tennis’ spotlight shifts to Miami as the ATP and WTA’s best players descend on Crandon Park to battle for the Sony Ericsson Open trophy.

Leading the troops for the ATP will be this year’s Australian Open champion and world number one, Roger Federer.  After an early exit at Indian Wells, Federer is looking to regain his form by ending a four year drought in South Florida.  However, Federer’s task won’t be easy.  Defending champion and 2010 Australian Open finalist, Andy Murray, will attempt to make it two in a row while Rafael Nadal after being sidelined by injuries for weeks will try to prevail for the first time in Miami.

Also, not to be forgotten, Novak Djokovic, Sony’s 2008 victor and new world number two, who like Federer stumbled at Indian Wells will be ready to sizzle in the Miami heat.  After advancing to the finals at Indian Wells, Andy Roddick, the champion in 2004, will see if he can continue his excellent play in the Magic City.  All this bodes well for a very competitive tournament on the men side.

Although reigning Australian Open champion and five time Sony winner, Serena Williams, will be absent due to injury, sister Venus, a three time vanquisher at Sony is hoping to capture glories of old.  Venus last reached the finals in 2001.  But, Victoria Azarenka, last year’s conqueror, will have plenty to say as she sets her eyes on a second straight Sony prize.  In addition, Caroline Wozniacki, the 2009 U.S. Open finalist and  Jelena Jankovic, 2008 Sony finalist, who squared off in the finals at Indian Wells will do their best to carry their momentum down to Sony.

After a disastrous start to the season, former Sony winner and 2009 French Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova is searching to reestablish her footing by doing well in Miami.  Yet,  the most intriguing players on the women side are Kim Clijsters and wildcard entrant Justine Henin.  With both ladies fresh out of retirement and having quickly found their winning ways, the field can be said to be wide open.

Along with singles, there will be plenty of doubles action to enjoy.  After being derailed at Indian Wells in the first round, Mike and Bob Bryan will be seeking redemption while Daniel Nestor  and Nenad Zimonjic who were disappointed in the finals in the desert by Marc Lopez and Nadal will be trying to make amends.  Liezel Huber and Cara Black, the ladies’ top seed,  hope that this will be the year they will breakthrough with their initial title in Miami.

Qualification rounds start today.  To purchase tickets, take a look at the draws and for more detailed information, click on sonyericssonopen.com.

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