Name: Nikolay Davydenko
DOB: June 2, 1981
Country: Russia
Place of Birth: Sieverodonetsk, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Height: 5' 9.5
Turn pro: 1999
Plays: Right-handed, two-handed backhand
Racquet: Prince Ozone Pro Tour
On June 2, 1981, Vladimir and Tatyana of Severodonetsk, Ukraine welcomed Davydenko into the world. As a young tennis prodigy at the age of 11, Nikolay left behind his parents to move to his brother Eduard's home in Volgograd, Russia. He believed that the country could afford him better opportunities as a tennis star. Later in life, once he had achieved his fame, he explained his youth by saying, "I stayed 4 years in Russia. Eduard worked as a tennis coach for kids and we practiced together. He pushed me pretty hard. At 15 we left for Germany. A Russian who lived there convinced Eduard it would be better for me. In Europe I could play more tournaments and earn more money than in Russia." In 1999, at the age of 18, Davydenko was granted citizenship at his long time home of Russia, and has since then always represented the country. However, he has recently applied for German citizenship and in 2007, Austrian citizenship, in an effort to obtain dual citizenship.
Davydenko attained international tennis stardom in 1999, but 2001 was really the beginning of his big debut as one of the sport's leaders. Although he achieved great success playing in Germany, it was in the next year that he really stood above the rest at the Australian open. From there, he only improved his game and by 2003, Davydenko became the second best tennis player in Russia. His lifetime achievements include numerous titles and victories, such as the Association of Tennis Professionals singles title eight times. Today, Nikolay Davydenko's tennis stardom is apparent by his climb to the top, starting with a ranking of 85 in the beginning and ending up among the world's ten best tennis players. Yet, his greatest personal achievement came not from a racquet but from a ring. Before taking on the Davis Cup in 2006, Davydenko took Irina, his long-time girlfriend and constant companion during his travels, as his wife. They currently have a home in Volgograd, Russia.