Davydenko beats Nadal, wins Sony Ericsson Open in Miami

(BEIJING, April 7) -- Russian Nikolay Davydenko beat World No. 2 Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-2 in the Sony Ericsson Open on Sunday to capture his second ATP Masters Series title. This was Davydenko's first victory against the spirited Spaniard.

The match was close at the beginning. Davydenko saved two break points in the first set at 2-3, before breaking Nadal and moving ahead 4-3. From there, it was all Davydenko. The 26-year-old held serve to close out the first set and then cruised through the second to complete the match in one hour and 30 minutes.

"My tennis was so good today. I think it's the best tennis of the hardcourt season," said Davydenko. "Here Nadal was favorite, and also in the semifinal Roddick was the favorite. Just to beat two guys in two sets is like amazing for me."

Nadal complimented the Russian's strong play, but took some responsibility for the loss. "He played a good match, but I didn't play well today. So when you don't play at 100 percent at this level against top players, it's tough to win, especially on a hard surface. So I congratulate him more because he played better than me."

This was Davydenko's first ATP title of the season and his ATP Masters Series final since winning in Paris in 2006.