Videos: Davydenko Tribute, “Playstation” Highlights

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Videos: Davydenko Tribute, “Playstation” Highlights

When Nikolay Davydenko retired from tennis on Thursday, tennis lost a great personality and an incredibly talented shotmaker in one fell swoop. Davydenko was not only a comical presence in the pressroom (see tweet below for a prime example).

"I am Russian, but I’m not Safin." pic.twitter.com/Zbhgcgdf0F
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) October 16, 2014

The Russian, who amassed 482 ATP wins, 21 titles and four Grand Slam titles to go with a career-high ranking of 3 in the world was also an incredibly explosive athlete who was remarkably adept at taking the ball on the rise and hitting with an uncanny amalgamation of power and precision.

More: Davydenko Announces Retirement at 33

At his peak and in his prime, Davydenko played a captivating, in-your-face brand of tennis that captured the imagination of fans and fellow players alike. He hugged the baseline, refusing to retreat, and gave his opponents fits by robbing them of time and taking the best they could offer and sending it back with interest.

Enjoy the video below, which features some of the best of Davydenko. Notice the sound of sneakers squeaking on the hard court, and the punishing pace with which Davydenko hits. It is this rapid-fire, pong-like style that made Juan Martin del Potro utter the now infamous line, “He plays like PlayStation.”