29/11/2009 - Final countdown

ACE will be scouring the O2 arena throughout the week of the ATP World Tour Finals...Press control + F5 to refresh the screen and follow the action as it happens...

Plus, fancy asking us a question, share a thought, or whim? Let us know on twitter @ACETennisMag and we'll respond right here...

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4.40pm So long, farewell

Well that concludes the 2009 ATP World Tour Finals, and what a week it has been. High fives to all the organisers, especially those in the media centre who have taken care of all of us demanding journos.

We look forward to what they will do next year - no doubt it will be even bigger and better. As for ACE, we'll be bringing you some action from the AEGON Masters at the Albert Hall next week...and then it will be 2010! Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your Sunday. I'm going to catch up on the X Factor. Over and out.

4.20pm ATP World Tour Champion

So..after JM DP makes a lovely speech thanking the crowd and sponsors and so on (what a loveable chap he seems to be), Davydenko strides onto the court to accept his trophy. He gains 1300 rankings points, a fair amount of cash ($900,000!), and on his way defeated the Australian Open champ, French&Wimbledon champ, and now the US Open champ. Quite some resume....

Speaking in his own brand of English, which seems to be earning him plenty of plaudits, he thanks the sponsors, everyone, and most of all seems genuinely 100% chipper.

He and his wife are off to the Maldives tomorrow. They certainly deserve it.

4.15pm Congratulations and celebrations

Well, well. One of the week's only two-setters, and a comprehensive performance from Nikolay Davydenko. Del Potro was never allowed to find his true form, never quite got into swinging those sledgehammer forehands, partly due to fatigue, but largely because the Russian didn't let him.

Kissing his wife Irina in celebration, DavyD looks absolutely delighted. And so he should be. Hats off to him.

He joins this illustrious list of winners....

4.05pm Del Potro 4 Davydenko 6

So...Nikolay Davydenko is four points away from the biggest title of his career. What a way to redeem himself after the betting fiasco of a year ago. He moves one point closer with a service winner. But then Del Potro finds a winner of his own...a huge return that just clips the line by a rabbit hair's breadth. 'About time we've seen something like that,' say the Sky team.

But the Argentine falls foul of another error. Two points to go. An ace, and it's one point to go...two championship points for the Russki...A big serve, a scamper to the net with a another big forehand, and then a smash. Davydenko wins the title.

4pm Del Potro 4 Davydenko 5

Our Russian remains rock solid on serve though, holding to 15, and at four games apiece, it looks like we might be heading to my favourite place, tie-break time. But you never know.

Where does Davydenko get his speed from? Coupled with pinpoint accuracy, it's a compelling combo, and earns him 0-15 on the DP serve. Another excellently orchestrated point, moving the big man around as if he was a fat security guard, and the Russian has 0-30. Barney rubble here for the Argentine. Even more trouble when he executes a pitch perfect passing shot, Del Potro one step behind yet again. The result? Three break points for last year's finalist....

Despite scrambling around at the back of the court, Ni-Dav somehow keeps in it, and DP fires long - DavyD will serve for the match. Wow oh wow.

3.55pm Del Potro 4 Davydenko 3

The last three titles at these championships have been decided in straight sets - Djokovic, Federer and Federer all in Shanghai...What the crowd, and Del Potro, wouldn't give to see this go into three sets...

And DP takes another step towards making that happen, holding without trouble. 'Fascinatingly posied, this contest,' says Barry Millns on Sky. True.

3.50pm Del Potro 3 Davydenko 3

Midway through the second set then, and the way Del Potro is cranking up his forehand suggests the boot might be about to change feet. The Argentine has won 11 baseline points to Davydenko's 5, and at 30-30 on the Russian's serve, he might have a chance.

With the court at his mercy, Ni-Dav makes an error, and DP has break point. What do you do in this situation? If you are top 10 in the world, you hit an ace, right on the T. But another wayward Davle backhand gives DP another chance at the break. 'The tide might be turning,' says Annabel Croft on the BBC.

Deuce again though, and this time DP's shot goes long after yet another punishing point. A swing and a big miss, and the Russian survives the scare.

3.43pm Del Potro 3 Davydenko 2

The Tower of Tandil's turn to serve again then, and there are glimmers of what he's capable of, but he still looks sluggish from the back, allowing Ni-Dav to continue to strike the ball with devastating confidence. And devastating it proves to be as the 6ft 6ins youngster plops another ball into the net. Break point Davydenko.

Luckily, a well-placed serve does the biz. Deuce. But another battering rally sees DP dump his strongest shot in the net again! Second break opportunity for the Russian. And again, an excellent serve on the T is out of the 28-year-old's reach. Are you offering serving lessons Juan Martin?

DP finally finds some quality as we reach the one hour mark, and finding some fire in his belly, he holds.

3.35pm Del Potro 2 Davydenko 2

Cries of anguish from the big man after not doing more with Davydenko's last serve, so he'll be relieved to breeze through his own service game and keep the lead. Apparently he's quite a nice chap... @thedoublebagel on twitter: 'DelPo's such a baller. Bought his sister a little Mercedes after the USO says Cliff.' Note to self: find a brother like that.

Meanwhile DavyD keeps up his excellent first serve percentage so far (round the 70% mark), with another love service hold.

3.30pm Del Potro 1 Davydenko 1

Well, who saw that one coming? What a player Davydenko is proving to be. A pocket rocket in fact. DP starts proceedings in this set though, and holds easily - much-needed confidence boost no doubt.

But the thing with Del Potro is, like a sleeping giant, you can never count him out. This could be the last set of the tournament, but I wouldn't bet on it. And for once my betting seems a little bit right as the Argentine pushes Dav to 15-15 and then 30-30...but the Russki gives the big serve when it counts and holds.

3.21pm Davydenko 6 Del Potro 3

D-day for Davydenko then, or should I say S-day...and it's made relatively simple for him. 40-0, three set points, 37 mins. DP's forehand goes long, and the Russian takes the first set 6-3. Once again, my prediction is going wrong. Why am I not surprised.

3.20pm Davydenko 5 Del Potro 3

Classic comment from a spectator in the crowd to the BBC - From Kate and James, row T, the O2, via text on 81111: "Please can you ask Sue Barker to turn her light down? It is really blinding! Thanks." Dear, dear Sue.

The US Open champ serving to stay in the set then, and it looks very much like the tortoise and the hare when Dav scampers around to push yet another winner past on the first point. But at 30-30 the Russian completely duffs his return. Oops. He redeems himself though with an unbelievable angled backhand. Angles R US.

Deuce then, and DavyD can sniff the set point. But Potty wins two straightforward points to survive.

3.13pm Davydenko 5 Del Potro 2

So, the pressure really on Juan the man here - needs to hold to make life a little hard for Ni-Dav. 40-0 and it's looking good, and a massive smash at 40-15 ends it. Play was interrupted briefly as a young papa spirited his baby out of the arena. Bless. Starting them off young. DP meanwhile is muttering to his corner. Asking for a girlfriend update perhaps?

Davle 4-2 up then, and serving to put himself within a game of the first set. 56 match wins to his name so far this year...let's see if he can get closer to making it 57. But DP seems to have finally found his form on the return, and he pegs Dav back to 30-30. We're getting into it now. And opportunity knocks...30-40. But the Russian hits three perfect forehands to save his skin.

Del Potro persists though, and not retreating from his spot on the baseline, he takes it back to deuce. But Davydenko is beating the Argentine at his own game here, setting up another spectacular backhand/forehand combo to win the game.

3.02pm Davydenko 4 Del Potro 1

So, no unforced errors from Mr Dav so far, whereas Mr Del Potro has hit seven. A solid service game, and Davydenko consolidates the break to 15. Just what he did against Federer in fact.

3pm Davydenko 3 Del Potro 1

Another ace from DP kicks off his second service game, but Davle is putting that little bit of pressure on him already, pushing up to 30-30, and then hitting a cracking forehand to make it deuce. Andy Murray is the only player to beat the Argentine this week, which shows the way to beat him is not to get caught in a slug-fest, as Super Sod did last night, but move him around and mix it up.

And Ni-Dav seems to be doing just that. Another clever point, and it's break point Dav. But this time DP hits the big forehand to bring it back to deuce. But a moment later the Russki forces the error and storms out of the blocks with the first break. 'He's punished Del Potro on his second serve,' says Mark Petchey.

2.50pm Davydenko 2 Del Potro 1

Right then. Off we go. These two met at this event last year, in which Davydenko obliterated the Argentine. But we all know the youngster has come a long way since then. Davydenko starts on song with his serve, biffing away to love. Nice and easy.

We're glad to see we're not the only one who's reluctant to make predictions... @carolinecheese on twitter: - @ACETennisMag i don't know? I really, really don't. I just hope tennis is the winner.' How very philosophical of the BBC's live-texting queen.

So, Del Potty steps up to see if he can keep up his phenomenal service record of yesterday, and 40-0 later, it looks that way. But then DavyD hits a beautiful cross court winner. Suddenly it's 40-30. Will fatigue catch up with the lanky Argentine? Not yet anyway - ace and game.

'I can do that too,' says Ni-Dav as he rockets down an ace on the first point of his game, and it's another love hold for the Russian.

2.40pm Showtime

Both players emerge onto the court to the tune of London Calling (they'll have to come up with something else for next year), through the cloud of dry ice, clutching the hand of their ball boy mascot. How cool.

Umpire Lars Graf reads them the rules, which they must know by now, and off they go, DP nipping Rafa-style to the back of the court, and Davy skipping to his end for the warm-up.

I'm rather peckish....cup of tea perhaps? Arm yourselves...this is going to be a big one. I can feel it in my creaking bones.

2.30pm Almost there...

So..Del Potro and Davydenko walk through the O2's rather bare looking corridors for the last time, heaving their big bags onto their backs, resplendent in their respective jackets, and it is most certainly game on...I'm going to risk my neck and go for DelP in 3...

2.20pm Russia v Argentina

So...10 minutes or so until it becomes a battle of Russia v Argentina, and the pundits are going crazy with predictions, chattering about fatigue, Del Potro's emergence, DavyD's solidity and whatnot. What do you think will happen? Let us know on twitter @ACETennisMag

And remember, there's not just today's title at stake here...if JM DP wins, he'll become world No.4, superseeding Andy Murray, and if Ni-Dav wins, he'll become the first Russian to win the year-end event. Quite something.

2.15pm All hail the Bryans

A huge cheer goes around the arena as the Bryans trip onto the court to receive their trophy, presented by seven of the bigwigs from the ATP, All England Club, LTA and so on...Thanking their friends, families and sponsors, the brothers give a big shout out to the 250,000 people who have walked through the doors of the O2 this week..

'Thanks to the fans, you guys have made this tournament the best week of our lives,' Bob says. 'It's been unbelievable out here and it's a dream come true to finish on top.' Well said. Hats off to them.

2.10pm Awaiting DP and DV

As the Brys milk their moment and wait to collect their trophy, chatter in the media centre is all about JM DP asking for a girlfriend, which predictably has led to no end of propositions... @piersnewbery on twitter - 'Nearly asked but don't want him to get wrong idea... RT @chloef: @piersnewbery DelPo said he was single - any ideas on how to get in there?!' Ha. No doubt they're flooding in...

So...one match to go, and a quick nod to the organisers and media team here who have been tippity top. Have you ever seen such a nice set of media resources?

2pm Bryan/Bryan 6 Mirnyi/Ram 3

Now would be a bonza time to break if I was one of these four. And it looks like they're listening as Bob n' Mike roar into 0-30 on Rambo's serve, which becomes 15-40 after the Israeli clips a ball sailing out. Ouch. A huge return from Bob Bryan, and they get the first break of the match. Where did that come from?!

So...the Brys have the chance to serve it out...Mike stepping up to the plate. 15-0 check. A lob from Ram drifts long, 30-0. The twins can taste victory know and they're yelling like George of the Jungle. 'C'mon, c'mon.' Another solid point, 40-0 and three match points....

A huge serve, the return fails, and Bob jumps into Mike's arms. ' The stage belongs to the Bryans' says Barry Cowan. Indeed it does. And you can see just how much it means to them as they collapse onto their bench exclaiming 'Oh man.' Huge pat on their backs and a well-deserved victory. World No.1s again. Yee Ha.

1.50pm Bryan/Bryan 4 Mirnyi/Ram 3

What can the Beast of Belarus do here then? Finish the game with his team's 8th ace. Pow wow. They then have a big chance on Mike's serve, but let it go begging. Go to hurt.

Meanwhile we've been asking for your predictions for later on our Facebook page...and so far it looks like Del Potty's edging Davy: Ken Au - davydenko looks very good so far, so I'll go with him :) James Vandersluis - im going for a draw.... nah Del Potro ftw ;)- Selena Coburn - Del Potro. I'd put my money on him if my mobile would let me get on my betting account. Sorry to hear it Selena. The woes of technology strike again.

1.45pm Bryan/Bryan 3 Mirnyi/Ram 2

New balls then, and it's Master Ram on serve. I'd like to go to Israel someday. I think it would be fascinating. There and Morocco are defo on my wannasee list. Anyway, must stop beating about the bush. Have looked rock solid, Mighty Max is suddenly seeming a little fallible at the net, and gives the Brys 15-30 on his partner's serve. But Mike duffs the next three returns and the big guys hold.

Bob meanwhile seems to be the master of the twirling volley -spinning around and hitting it in one fluid motion. I'd love to learn that one. He holds and the brothers stay in front.

1.40pm Bryan/Bryan 2 Mirnyi/Ram 1

Two more love service games then and both pairs look pretty impenetrable. Solid as Edward Cullen. (That's a Twilight ref for Laura Robson). What's going to happen next?

1.33pm Bryan/Bryan 1 Mirnyi/Ram 0

One hour to go then till DavyD and DelP hit the court and the O2 Arena is filling up nicely. And for good reason. This is a cracking match. Pause at the end of the set and both Brys nip to the loo...which has not gone unnoticed... @ChloeF on twitter: 'What's up with one of the Bryan bros in today's final? Keeps running out...' Must be that sore tummy..but it doesn't seem to be affecting them too much - they get first on the board in set No.2

1.30pm Mirnyi/Ram 6 Bryan/Bryan 7

Nervy times now at this point in the set as Mike is 40-0 up and the opposition battle back to 40-30. But the twin holds and we're into another tie-break - only the second that these two pairs have played together in their six meetings.

For the record, I hate tie-breaks. All that pressure. But they do make great viewing. Mirnyi and Ram win the first two points, but the Brys pull it back. 2-2. Both teams bopping around like jumping beans, and it's 3-3. Prediction? Too close to call.

Lovely volleying from BB, and they keep ahead 4-3...the first time they've been in the lead in the match. Max tucks in his golden chain (very bling) to serve, and fires down another aircraft bomber. And another. 5-4 to M&R.

Bobble gets his two points on the board, and they have the first set point. Pressure back on Mr Ram. Poor sausage. He was involved in that tricksy business in Dubai earlier this year when they threatened not to let him in. And for once it's Mirnyi who misses the volley, the Bryans yell, chest bump, and they've got the first set 7-6. Shabash.

1.15pm Mirnyi/Ram 6 Bryan/Bryan 5

Two more holds from both teams, and the Eastern duo have moved to 7 aces to the Americans' 1. This is the best doubles match we've seen all week, and rightly so,' says Bazza Cowan in the commentary box. Yes Barry, it is the final.

1.10pm Mirnyi/Ram 5 Bryan/Bryan 4

The angles these big dudes get are quite frankly ridic. Using the adrenalin boost from holding his serve, the Beast has suddenly brought up 0-30 on Mike's serve. The upper hand really does ding dong back and forth like a high speed ping pong ball.

But Mike gets out of jail again, followed by a Ram hold. Making those big first serves is absolutely crucial.

So..yesterday's celeb was David Haye..today's is Jimmy Carr... @jimmycarr on twitter: 'Off to watch some tennis at the O2. Very excited. The tube is apparently on the fritz. I'll get Bob Crow to sort it.' Please do Jimbo. We'd like to get home in under two hours today. But maybe spell his name right when you write to him - It's 'Crowe.'

Outside this great big tent it is raining. Drizzling and dripping. Yuck. Emigration to Australia anyone?

1pm Mirnyi/Ram 4 Bryan/Bryan 3

So..back to drummer Bob. And once again the Belarussian giant proves to be the danger man - another break point for Mirnyi and Ram. Yikes. But yet again, Bob hammers a big bombastic serve.

And just like that, the Brys turn the tables. Moving across with wings on his feet, Bob intercepts the volley, Mike makes the return, and it's 0-30. Some blistering volleying later, and the twins have three break points. How about that then.

One down thanks to a Ram volley, two down when Bob tries to smash back Max's smash, but falls on his face instead, and three down when Mirnyi makes another serve. Hmmm. And the fourth when Mirnyi withstands the Bryan bros like a battering ram to keep in it. Enthralling.

12.55pm Mirnyi/Ram 3 Bryan/Bryan 2

Uh oh. What's going on here. Mike Bryan has called the tournament doc to assist him and seems to be searching for some kind of pills. Upset tummy perhaps Mike? Whatever it is doesn't seem to bother Mike too much as he prepares to serve, his 7th appearance in the year-end champs final.

But something is clearly a little up as all 6ft 5ins of Mirnyi lumbers across the net to create a break point. But Mike pulls of a big'un on serve and they stay safe. Mirnyi holds again, and we stay on serve.

And here is a pic of the identikit twins for you. Because we're wedded to our seat in the media centre (the internet doesn't travel everywhere you know), it isn't them at this precise moment, but is a pic from the event in Paris a few weeks ago.

12.45pm Mirnyi/Ram 2 Bryan/Bryan 1

So Bob up first on the serve...55 titles to his name alongside his brother Mike, and although they may be at the ripe old age of 31 (that's elderly for a tennis player), these two aren't going anywhere just yet. 'Bob has one of the quickest pair of hands out there at the moment' says Peter Fleming. Thanks Pete.

And he's quite right, as Bob holds, and then makes two tip top returns to put pressure on the big Israeli. But a clever one-two and he holds.

12.40pm Mirnyi/Ram 1 Bryan/Bryan 0

There is an added dimension to this match for the Bryans' opponents - it will be the last match that the burly duo play together as the Beast of Belarus joins forces with Indian Mahesh Bhupathi, and Andy Ram is reunited with long-time buddy Jonathan Erlich.

And as expected, they start with a big bang. Max serves, smashes, and serves. Men's doubles for you.

12.30pm The Bryans v Mirnyi/Ram

As is the form in this competition, the day begins with doubles, this time the doubles final between Bob and Mike Bryan and Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram. Both pairs are vastly experienced, both pairs have Grand Slam titles under their belts, so it's sure to be a corker.

Now as you may or may not know, doubles has gone through a tough time of late. In order to make it more attractive and appealing to spectators, the format was shortened to two sets and a champions' tie-break - first to 10 points. Plus, deuce, that holy grail of the sport which can let games go on for ever and ever, became sudden death.

What this all means is that the win or loss comes down to just one or two points...which makes it all the more exciting. Should the rocker twins win, they'll end the year as the world No.1 pair for the fifth time...bring it on.

12.15pm No day quite like Sunday

We can hardly believe it. Seven days of chugging along on the Jubilee line to North Greenwich, navigating the corridors of the O2, watching match after incredible match, and we've reached the final day of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and its first year in London.

And what a week it has been. Every day has seen a sell out crowd number 17,500 peeps. Every singles match (except for Robin Soderling's victories over Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, and Djoko's win over Rafa), has gone to three sets, and every doubles match has been a bombastic occasion.

So what have been your best bits, your favourite matches, the most enthralling upsets? What do you think of the O2? Let us know on twitter @ACETennisMag .

Yours truly meanwhile is rather relieved that this is the last day I will have to avoid getting lost on the O2's multiple stairwells. Sadly, it's inevitable.

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