LONDON - Nikolay Davydenko, the unfancied Russian 7th seed, tonight swept to glory in the end-of-season World Tour Finals, comfortably defeating US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the final. Afterwards, Davydenko dedicated the biggest title win of his career to a new fitness regime and an improved forehand, but also gave some credit to tournament organisers for playing songs by the Black Eyed Peas at ear-splitting volume during changeovers.
"I'm really happy to have come through - there were so many great players here this week", Davydenko told a packed O2 Arena. "I feel like I was hitting my forehand really strong all week, and I could stay the course in a lot of games. I've been working on my fitness a lot, and it really paid off, especially in the semi-final against Roger". Davydenko then gave special praise to the venue: "It's a new venue on the tour, but it's been terrific for me, and the fans have been incredible all week."
"What really made a difference for me personally, though, was hearing the Black Eyed Peas at full volume during changeovers. I just love that group, and every time I heard one of their songs it really helped me get focussed." Davydenko continued, stating that whilst he had enjoyed hearing artists such as Pixie Lott and Duffy at similarly blood-curdling levels, it was the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" in particular that played a major part in his success.
"I remember one time in particular, against Djokovic, when he was coming back at me, it was the first game, and I was wondering how I could turn it around. Then they dropped "I Gotta Feeling" before the final set, and I just thought 'You know what? Tonight is gonna be a good night.'"
Whilst the Russian champion clearly appreciated itt, the repetitive playing of pop songs throughout the tournament has attracted widespread criticim, including from Rafa Nadal and 8th seed Fernando Verdasco. Both players claimed to have experienced headaches and mild tinnitus following their games, whilst a ballboy stationed directly underneath a speaker began sobbing uncontrollably during Saturday's semi-final, as 'Let Me Entertain You' was played for the fourth changeover in succession.
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