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Day 4 - (2) Roger Federer (SUI) v Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Head-to-head
| In 19 career meetings between these two 31-year-olds, Federer has prevailed on 17 occasions, including twice in Melbourne. | Davydenko’s two victories over Federer have both come on hard court. |
Will win if...
| He plays his game. Simple as that. | He rediscovers the form that took him to the top three in 2006. Davydenko will need to have his skates on if he’s to be any chance. |
Heading in...
| No lead-up events for Federer and a by-the-numbers win in the first round over flashy Frenchman Benoit Paire. | A finalist in Doha, the world No.40 upset No.5 David Ferrer before losing to No.10 Richard Gasquet in three sets. In the first round Davydenko accounted for Dudi Sela in four sets. |
Look out for...
| Federer’s serve. The second seed won 84 per cent of first serves in his first-round straight-set win over Paire. | Davydenko’s ability to cover the court. At his scurrying best, Davydenko can chase down almost anything in his relentless pursuit of victory. |
Know this stat
| Since 2004 Federer has been a semifinalist or better at the Australian Open. | Davydenko is a four-time quarterfinalist in Melbourne. |
X-factor
| With regular rival Rafael Nadal out of the running this year, could that be a boost to Federer’s confidence? | Davydenko can be unpredictable. A former world No.3, he’s the kind of player Federer would rather not play at this stage of the tournament. |