Nikolay Davydenko ended hopes of a dream final between Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro when he defeated Federer 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 in the first semi-final at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The Russian, who had not made it into bed until 3am this morning after defeating Robin Soderling late last night, was far quicker off the mark than Federer, roaring into a 4-1 lead in the first set, before wrapping it up 6-2 in under half an hour.
The world No.1's level improved in the second set as his first serve percentage began to climb, and as he began to play with his customary grace to take the second set 6-4, it looked as though it might be a 13th consecutive defeat for Davydenko at the hands of the Swiss.
The players went toe-to-toe in the third set, Federer firing winners from all corners, but Davydenko persisted, scrambling around the court in his usual fashion, and knocking down some big serves of his own. At four games all in the deciding set, Federer responded to a Davydenko smash by smashing it back from the back of the court, and it looked like that might be it for the Russian.
But in the blink of an eye, Davydenko secured the crucial break to go 6-5 up, and although Federer had a break back opportunity, the Russian held his nerve to complete a famous victory.
'I thought maybe I might beat him in 2010, 2011, but now in 2009. I am very happy,' the Russian said. 'I thought ok, I lose tomorrow, go home, next day Maldives, I have no pressure. But what I did, a couple of volleys, some serves and some returns.'
While Federer has played his final match of 2009, Davydenko will compete in the final of this event for the second consecutive year, against either Robin Soderling, or Juan Martin Del Potro.
Meanwhile in the doubles event, Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram won 6-4, 7-6(4) against Frantisek Cermak and Michal Mertinak to become the first confirmed ATP World Tour finalists on semi-finals day at the O2 Arena.
The No.7 seeds were unable to convert any of the three break points they created in the second set but eventually confirmed their final spot after converting the first of two match points in the second set tie-break.
“This is probably our biggest occasion for the time that we've played together. This tournament is right up there with the Grand Slams" said Mirnyi.
For a detailed look at all the action on semi-finals day