Davydenko Angry at "ATP Motives"

[noeledmonds]

I just noticed this on the BBC.

Is Davydenko being given a hard time or getting what he deserves?

Nikolay Davydenko claims he is being victimised by the ATP because they want him out of the world's top 10.

The Russian's defeat by Argentine Martin Vassallo Arguello at the Sopot Open last August is being investigated by the governing body of men's tennis.

He told BBC Sport: "Maybe they just found one tennis player who they want to remove from the world's top 10?

"Maybe there is someone below me in the rankings who is more popular and they want to increase his popularity?"

He added: "Maybe I am just not that popular being number four in the world? Someone is trying to increase someone else's popularity."

But Etienne de Villiers, the chief executive of the ATP, described the Russian's claims as "fanciful".


I can understand his frustration (but) our only agenda is to protect the integrity of tennis

Etienne de Villiers
ATP chief executive
ATP plans to combat corruption

"We are not investigating either player - we've never ever said this is about Davydenko or Arguello," De Villiers told BBC Sport.

"We said this is about an irregular betting pattern and we need to get to the bottom of it."

Gambling company Betfair voided all wagers on Davydenko's second-round match against Arguello in Poland last August because of irregular betting patterns.

The Russian was ranked four in the world as opposed to his opponent's 87, yet his odds started to lengthen considerably after he won the first set 6-2.

He lost the second set 6-3 and was trailing 2-1 in the third when he withdrew with a foot injury.

BBC Sport has been told that nine Russian account holders with Betfair stood to make about £750,000 from an Arguello victory.

Davydenko vigorously denies all allegations of wrongdoing.

Speaking in his first major interview since the match in Sopot, Davydenko told BBC Sport: "People think that just because I am rated number five in the world then I can't lose to someone who is rated 100.


If you are hurt, you withdraw, but I do not know how to not play in a match

Nikolay Davydenko

"Anything can happen to me. I can just have a bad match or I can be injured and lose the match.

"When I see a player who is tired or in pain or maybe just doesn't want to play, I can understand that - he is not a robot.

"I understand that he can't play in the match, he can withdraw. That's his business. If he is tired he withdraws this week and will try to do better the next.

"I do not think that any of this has anything to do with betting. If you take all the matches I played and lost to those rated 100 and below, should this also be suspicious?

"I have already lost to these players before while being in top five or top four. It happened last year and the year before."

The 26-year-old says he is angry about his treatment at the hands of the ATP since Sopot.

606: DEBATE
Is tennis doing enough to combat corruption?


In September, he was fined for not trying during a match against Marin Cilic at the St Petersburg Open, but this was subsequently overturned on appeal.

Davydenko is also frustrated that the ATP investigation into the match against Arguello is still ongoing.

"It makes me angry, because it takes so long," he said.

"I can't understand what they want from me - I have given them everything, all the information.

"When will this end? I do not have any trust in the ATP."

The ATP requested Davydenko's phone records when he was playing at the US Open last Autumn.

He initially refused to hand them over, because "I was playing at a very important tournament and they only gave me a week to do it", but did comply in early December.

Now ATP investigators have requested the phone records of Davydenko's wife, Irina, and his brother and coach Eduard.

The duo have been given a deadline of 15 business days after Davydenko's last match at this month's Australian Open.

Davydenko faces betting inquiry

Davydenko is reported to be determined to dig his heels in and resist the latest request, saying: "If we allowed that to happen, they would be taking data from my grandmother".

ATP chief De Villiers said the reluctance of Davydenko and his entourage to hand over phone records allied with the Russian's complaints that the investigation was taking too long amounted to "a paradox".

"If you want to get to understand what happened, you use all the information you could possibly have," De Villiers said.

"Obtaining the records of players and their entourage is written into our rules.

"I can understand his frustration (but) our only agenda is to protect the integrity of tennis.

"It would be irresponsible of us not to be thorough, comprehensive and fair. That's the only thing we're trying to do here."

The world number four insists he would not even know how to throw a match.

"I have never done it and I do not know how to," he said.

"I know that if you are hurt, you withdraw, but I do not know how to not play in a match.

"It wouldn't be easy, because being the fifth in the world it is not easy to lose to someone who is ranked 100th."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/7178632.stm

 

[Max G.]

Dude, what the heck?

Requesting the records of not only him, but his entire family?

I completely see why Davydenko thinks this is unreasonable.

 

[Rhino]

Davydenko is right to be angry, this is just going on and on.
Every time I read Etienne de Villiers' name, it is connected with devaluing tennis and making bad, embarrassing decisions.

 

[maverick66]

thing that gets me is hes number 4 in the world he doesnt need the money. hes making plenty and if he got hurt then so be it. so everytime someone withdraws and gets hurt where gonna investigate. so if someone bets against federer and he is hurt and loses is his name gonna be crap now. this is the banned substances thing all over again where there throwing a lesser known pro under the bus to show there doing something.

 

[tintin]

de Villiers and the whole Korolev/Blake round robin "mistake" at the tournament in Vegas is an example,and was proof that he,de Villiers has no credibility and the whole ATP too who went along with this farce.

How,Davydenko goes about his business and makes it to the semis of slams and goes deep in tournaments is beyond my comprehension,really.

Davydenko is angry and might be a tad exaggerating things but I wonder why,he,Davydenko being ranked #4 with all the millions he's made and making it deep in slams(except for Wimbledon) would throw it all away for a few bucks?

I wonder if had it been a Federer,Roddick(I'll add Connors too since he's a former tennis champ and current coach of Roddick) or Nadal god forbid;would he have asked them for their/families phone records and drag this **** for as long as it has.

unless the ATP has concrete proof against Davydenko,he's innocent in my eyes;call me stupid but I believe in "innocent until proven guilty"!If they can't find **** on him,I would sue de Villiers and the whole ATP body.
I think it would be best for him to just shut up and go about his business and stop whining!

 

[Leublu tennis]

Not a nice story. I just hope that the Aussie crowd greets him well.

 

[MariaS]

The world number four insists he would not even know how to throw a match.

"I have never done it and I do not know how to," he said.

Do you think it's that hard to throw a tennis match? :? I would think it would look amateurish. Anyone know where I can view that match online?

 

[CyBorg]

De Villiers is scum.

 

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

It's about time the ATP removed that boring robot, Davydenko, from the top 10.

 

[laurie]

This is a very serious situation. They said that some guys were poised to make £750,000 from that match, in a tournament I've never even knew existed, in the 2nd or 3rd rd?

Tennis is in for a very bumpy ride over the next couple of years I'm afraid.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Again, they are looking for a scape goat in Davydenko. I feel really bad for the guy....

 

[cknobman]

Thanks for deleting my post.
Must have been because I said what the ATP is doing is a bunch of CRAP

 

[edberg505]

LOL, this is getting a bit ridiculous. Ok, it's way past ridiculous. Ok, Mr. Davydenko could you please send us your phone records. Good. Ok, now that we've seen those can we see your wife's and brother's phone records? Ok, now that we've seen those can we see your mum's and your dad's phone records. Ok, now that we've seen those can we see your grandfather and your grandmother's phone records. Where are they gonna stop? Let's just suppose for the sake of argument that Davydenko did bet on this match and throw it. Would he be stupid enough to use his phone or anyone elses phone of someone that he knows for that matter to make this arrangement?

 

[futuretoptenner]

Davy... what can i say. They seriously taking the ****. It's not fair, I mean so investigate he clearly has nothing to hide, but don't take like 10 years doing it and they should stop making the same statements over and over without any prove . They seriously are hurting his name, He has EVER right to be pissed off.

 

[BeHappy]

what's next?

''um, yeah, we need some naked pictures of your wife Nikolay'

 

[Shabazza]

de Villiers and the whole Korolev/Blake round robin "mistake" at the tournament in Vegas is an example,and was proof that he,de Villiers has no credibility and the whole ATP too who went along with this farce.

How,Davydenko goes about his business and makes it to the semis of slams and goes deep in tournaments is beyond my comprehension,really.

Davydenko is angry and might be a tad exaggerating things but I wonder why,he,Davydenko being ranked #4 with all the millions he's made and making it deep in slams(except for Wimbledon) would throw it all away for a few bucks?

I wonder if had it been a Federer,Roddick(I'll add Connors too since he's a former tennis champ and current coach of Roddick) or Nadal god forbid;would he have asked them for their/families phone records and drag this **** for as long as it has.

unless the ATP has concrete proof against Davydenko,he's innocent in my eyes;call me stupid but I believe in "innocent until proven guilty"!If they can't find **** on him,I would sue de Villiers and the whole ATP body.
I think it would be best for him to just shut up and go about his business and stop whining!

The bolded sentence is what impressed me the most. He's a professional regardless what people might think about him.
Agree with all you said, except the last sentence. How can you stop complaining when everytime you have to do interviews some journalist comes up with the investigation and match-fixing. I can understand Davydenko's reaction. I would be angry like hell.

 

[CAM178]

Do you think it's that hard to throw a tennis match? :? I would think it would look amateurish. Anyone know where I can view that match online?

No, in fact it is very easy to throw a tennis match. You just have to hope that your opponent doesn't start shanking on top of your tanking. It's even easier at the ATP level because of how close they can get to the lines. If you take just a fraction of the pace off the ball, or barely miss a line, you can see how tanking wouldn't be that hard. You could feasibly get most all games to deuce, and then throw the ad point.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Davy throws matches. He can be absolutely electric when he's on (when there's nothing on the line, pun intended), and is a blast to watch. I love watching the guy, but having witnessed one of his supposed 'serving meltdowns', I couldn't believe it. It was beyond pathetic. For the #4 player in the world to get a fine for 'not trying' is BS. Again, I am a Davy fan, but he needs help. He's obviously addicted, as he's making plenty of money so that he doesn't need to gamble. But he's looking for an extra thrill, and it needs to stop. We don't need out sport tainted, too.

 

[Shabazza]

No, in fact it is very easy to throw a tennis match. You just have to hope that your opponent doesn't start shanking on top of your tanking. It's even easier at the ATP level because of how close they can get to the lines. If you take just a fraction of the pace off the ball, or barely miss a line, you can see how tanking wouldn't be that hard. You could feasibly get most all games to deuce, and then throw the ad point.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Davy throws matches. He can be absolutely electric when he's on (when there's nothing on the line, pun intended), and is a blast to watch. I love watching the guy, but having witnessed one of his supposed 'serving meltdowns', I couldn't believe it. It was beyond pathetic. For the #4 player in the world to get a fine for 'not trying' is BS. Again, I am a Davy fan, but he needs help. He's obviously addicted, as he's making plenty of money so that he doesn't need to gamble. But he's looking for an extra thrill, and it needs to stop. We don't need out sport tainted, too.

The fine for 'not trying' was BS and proven as such. Some pro's have serving meltdowns (be it nerves, tireness, felling ill or injury) and some people even semi-retire becasue the serve is suddenly not working anymore (Coria). The serve is still the most important shot in the game. None of your points are facts just subjective opinions.
Davydenko a gambling addict. You're basically talking out of your ass here.

 

[CAM178]

The fine for 'not trying' was BS and proven as such. Some pro's have serving meltdowns (be it nerves, tireness, felling ill or injury) and some people even semi-retire becasue the serve is suddenly not working anymore (Coria). The serve is still the most important shot in the game. None of your points are facts just subjective opinions.
Davydenko a gambling addict. You're basically talking out of your ass here.

Take it easy, Sparky. I didn't say I was speaking facts. That's the point of a thread: to give opinions. No need to talk about my ass, unless that's what you're into. In which case, I'd still prefer if you didn't.

I say Davy has a gambling problem because he has numerous allegations against him, not just one.

As to the serving meltdown, 2 things: 1. Davy has a very strong and very reliable serve, and 2. did you not watch AMS Paris where it happened again?

As for Coria, way to compare night and day. Coria mentally is not even close to Davy. Davy has proven himself year-in, year-out, as one of the most consistent players on tour.

But way to pull out of my post what you wanted. Guess you just overlooked where I said I love watching him play. Nice.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Funny stuff...

Take it easy, Sparky. I didn't say I was speaking facts. That's the point of a thread: to give opinions. No need to talk about my ass, unless that's what you're into. In which case, I'd still prefer if you didn't.

Your insane.. :lol::lol:

 

[CAM178]

Your insane.. :lol::lol:

LOL. . . I do what I can to make people laugh. I just hope he knows I'm kidding. I just don't appreciate when someone takes a discussion to 'that' level, where name-calling and bodily parts get mentioned.

 

[consigliere]

This **** is beyond ridiculous.

 

[NamRanger]

You're insane to think Davydenko has a strong and reliable serve IMO.

 

[CAM178]

You're insane to think Davydenko has a strong and reliable serve IMO.

Ha ha. . . I'll entertain this: why am I insane? I just want clarification as to why my sanity is called into question because I think someone has a good serve.

 

[A.Davidson]

Davydenko is DEFINITELY being treated unfairly. Part of this is the fault of the media, but c'mon...

Fining a guy for poor performance? How come Nadal didn't get fined for that MONSTROSITY of a final the other week? Hmmm?

Just because Davydenko was in a match that looked suspicious, and people have admitted to betting on/being asked to throw matches since, doesn't mean that it is okay to relentlessly be on this guy. He is a tough competitor who plays many, many matches each year. Davydenko is the very definition of an "iron man".

Convict/suspend the guy on some kind of charge or PUT IT TO REST.

 

[CAM178]

It is not just the Arguello match that's being called into question.

My opinion of his gambling issues has no effect on my opinion of Davy as a player. I love to watch the kid, and he can ball. He plays harder and FAR more than any other player on tour, bar none. He needs to get James Brown's title for tennis: The Hardest Working Man in Tennis.

But looking at several things has reinforced my argument/opinion. That doesn't make me bad or insane. I'm not saying 'Off with his head!' I'm just saying get to the bottom of this, so we can ALL put this behind us. Nobody wants this behind them as much as Davy and the ATP right now.

I will say, though, that this is going to be complete HORSE SH** if the ATP chooses to make Davy the scapegoat with this, and chooses to crucify the guy. If they do that, that will be no different than when they did this to my favorite player Vilas with the whole appearance fee scandal in the 80's. He was at his peak and prime, and they completely screwed him. He was doing nothing different as compared to his compatriots, but they singled him out. That was wrong, and it's going to be wrong if they do that to Davy. Davy is not the only one doing this (IF he is), but unfortunately he is the most high-profile player at #4 in the world.

 

[msc886]

All victims are innocent until proven guilty. Any top player can be upset on a given day. If Davydenko wants to throw the match he could just play badly until the match finished instead of pulling out with an injury.

 

[edberg505]

Davydenko is DEFINITELY being treated unfairly. Part of this is the fault of the media, but c'mon...

Fining a guy for poor performance? How come Nadal didn't get fined for that MONSTROSITY of a final the other week? Hmmm?

Just because Davydenko was in a match that looked suspicious, and people have admitted to betting on/being asked to throw matches since, doesn't mean that it is okay to relentlessly be on this guy. He is a tough competitor who plays many, many matches each year. Davydenko is the very definition of an "iron man".

Convict/suspend the guy on some kind of charge or PUT IT TO REST.

LMFAO, Man I almost spit up my drink when I read that line. Too Funny!!!

 

[scineram]

Fed had a serving meltdown.

For three months.

 

[tintin]

You're insane to think Davydenko has a strong and reliable serve IMO.

post of the day.Thank you

 

[CAM178]

post of the day.Thank you

Well, I meant when he wasn't having one of these supposed meltdowns. He has a very good serve, and is very consistent with it when he's trying in a match. The match that comes to mind was his match against Fed last yr at the FO.

 

[tacou]

what other investigations are going on? other than prying into davydenko's phone records, shouldn't they be "fair" and looking into other possibilities? such as... he was simply injured and retired? or maybe question the people who placed the bets.

 

[msc886]

I think its a bit overly harsh on the guy. Even players higher ranked than him can get injured and play badly at times, especially davydenko with all the matches he plays. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic sometimes play average yet nobody investigates them.

 

[daddy]

It's about time the ATP removed that boring robot, Davydenko, from the top 10.

Why shuld anyone remove anyone else form their deserved spot ? I mean it would be much easier for him going for shot, going for broke and missing them by a inch or couple and saying yep, it was not my day. If the guy is a sore loser and if he has no balls to withstand losing and loses his temper and moves slowly when he is losing, I dont know why should he be victimised. Cmon, come to nr4 in the word, if you think its easy. As if he does not have $$ already ..

 

[CAM178]

I think its a bit overly harsh on the guy. Even players higher ranked than him can get injured and play badly at times, especially davydenko with all the matches he plays. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic sometimes play average yet nobody investigates them.

There's a big difference between being injured and consistently serving balls 3 feet out, or into the bottom of the net. When was the last time you saw someone do that at that level? Davy plays a lot, and as a result, his game should always be sharp. It is sharp, for 99.9% of the time, It's just that 0.1% that's gotten him into trouble.

 

[msc886]

There's a big difference between being injured and consistently serving balls 3 feet out, or into the bottom of the net. When was the last time you saw someone do that at that level? Davy plays a lot, and as a result, his game should always be sharp. It is sharp, for 99.9% of the time, It's just that 0.1% that's gotten him into trouble.

I guess if that's the case then its tanking but didn't Coria have that problem also (but that's more injury related)

 

[Max G.]

Davy plays a lot, and as a result, he can't be sharp every single time he plays... I think you expect too much of him.

 

[NamRanger]

Ha ha. . . I'll entertain this: why am I insane? I just want clarification as to why my sanity is called into question because I think someone has a good serve.

If you actually ever watched Davydenko you would know what I'm talking about. He puts alot of topspin on both of his serves, and his first serve rarely if ever breaks 120. He can place it well, but it's not too fast, and it's very easy to read. Davydenko struggles to hold serve most of the time, he can only keep up because his return game is pretty good.

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

hello all.

most of you are not paying attention to the facts.

think about this.

8 russian betters had about 7 mill us riding on davy losing the match, and most of the bets came in after davy won the first set.

are you kidding me !! i will bet my life davy dad something to do with it. all he had to do was tell his brother he would withdraw in the 3rd set, and his bro would make the calls.

its possible davy would of made 2-4 mill if all the bets got paid out.

just think about it guys and gals. all the facts we know already sure look horrible.

the atp's own rules allow them to obtain phone records of family and coaches of a possible betting scandal.

all the facts 6-7 mill placed by 8 russian mostly after davy won the first set says scandal loud and clear.

davy or his coach is toast when they finally get to the bottom of this.

the atp has every right to take as much time as needed to get all the information needed to make the best decision. since davy and his crew are not playing ball in this obvious betting scandal says even more volumes davy is involved

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

since davy does not make extra cash from show up fees like the other top players and endorsements like the other top players, its not hard to imagine he tried to make an extra 3-4 mill in 1 tennis match.

hell if i was him and had all sorts of shady russian friends i might try something like this also. i would not have been so dumb as to have so must placed on 1 match. he got greedy , or the russian mafia was leaning on him or they might hurt his family.

the russian mafia was involved quite possibly

 

[edberg505]

hello all.

most of you are not paying attention to the facts.

think about this.

8 russian betters had about 7 mill us riding on davy losing the match, and most of the bets came in after davy won the first set.

are you kidding me !! i will bet my life davy dad something to do with it. all he had to do was tell his brother he would withdraw in the 3rd set, and his bro would make the calls.

its possible davy would of made 2-4 mill if all the bets got paid out.

just think about it guys and gals. all the facts we know already sure look horrible.

the atp's own rules allow them to obtain phone records of family and coaches of a possible betting scandal.

all the facts 6-7 mill placed by 8 russian mostly after davy won the first set says scandal loud and clear.

davy or his coach is toast when they finally get to the bottom of this.

the atp has every right to take as much time as needed to get all the information needed to make the best decision. since davy and his crew are not playing ball in this obvious betting scandal says even more volumes davy is involved

Well, I certainly hope that you are never on any jurys because you basically already have your opinion formed without seeing any evidence at all. So basically your explanation is the only plausible one? Interesting. I guess we'll find out eventually. If I were Davydenko I would not comply with the ATP's latest request. This is complete crap because if they wanted all the phone records then they could have just asked for them all in the first place and not just for his alone. Looks to me they are going more on a fishing expedition than an investigation.

 

[tintin]

hello all.

most of you are not paying attention to the facts.

think about this.

8 russian betters had about 7 mill us riding on davy losing the match, and most of the bets came in after davy won the first set.

are you kidding me !! i will bet my life davy dad something to do with it. all he had to do was tell his brother he would withdraw in the 3rd set, and his bro would make the calls.

its possible davy would of made 2-4 mill if all the bets got paid out.

just think about it guys and gals. all the facts we know already sure look horrible.

the atp's own rules allow them to obtain phone records of family and coaches of a possible betting scandal.

all the facts 6-7 mill placed by 8 russian mostly after davy won the first set says scandal loud and clear.

davy or his coach is toast when they finally get to the bottom of this.

the atp has every right to take as much time as needed to get all the information needed to make the best decision. since davy and his crew are not playing ball in this obvious betting scandal says even more volumes davy is involved

my oh my are you quick to judge and condemn based solely on your own speculations!:roll:
what vivid imagination you have

 

[coloskier]

The one thing that no one is mentioning here is that if the Russian Mafia is telling him to do it, he better or his entire family will be pushing up daisies. The mob does not care how famous you are. If you have ever been in Russia for an extended period of time (I have), you know that when they tell you to do something, you do it, or they will just shoot you. They don't care one bit about you.

 

[naffi]

You know, if he would just get a hairpiece or something, the ATP wouldn't be out to get his ass.

http://www.tenniswithattitude.blogspot.com

It's about time the ATP removed that boring robot, Davydenko, from the top 10.

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

The one thing that no one is mentioning here is that if the Russian Mafia is telling him to do it, he better or his entire family will be pushing up daisies. The mob does not care how famous you are. If you have ever been in Russia for an extended period of time (I have), you know that when they tell you to do something, you do it, or they will just shoot you. They don't care one bit about you.

I mentioned it first, and I agree with you 100%. The other people in this thread are not aware of the other possibilities and dont seem to want to hear it.

 

[David L]

Why is so much apparent effort being put into this investigation, when all the other suspicious matches are hardly mentioned? Interestingly, Davydenko's opponent in that match, Martin Vassalo Arguello, has been involved in a few of these suspicious matches.

http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=98220

 

[David L]

Why is so much apparent effort being put into this investigation, when all the other suspicious matches are hardly mentioned? Interestingly, Davydenko's opponent in that match, Martin Vassalo Arguello, has been involved in a few of these suspicious matches.

http://www.tennis.com/features/general/features.aspx?id=98220

Here's a quote for the lynch mob.

"Moreover, suspect betting does not mean one or both players are necessarily involved – details about a player’s physical or mental condition can be known to several people and provide insight into the likely outcome of a match."

 

[lainey80]

lol. Cam178, thank you for entertaining me. I just read this thread (I'm a little behind), and I agree with what you say.

 

[BeHappy]

I am so sick of this ''russian mafia'' crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That Jhn McEnroe is such a stupid SOB!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe the American Mafia was involved in him losing to Ivan Lendl in the French Open Final in '84!?!?!