Del Potro vs Davydenko in Barclay World Tour Finals

Yippee! The Barclay World Tour Finals begin at 9:30 AM ET. Time to put politics aside and focus on talent and tenacity.

The Barclay World Tour has been great. The round-robin is interesting and there has been some great tennis played - finesse, setting up points three or four shots out, and an integrity to the game that is refreshing.

Everyone has fallen on his racket this week to the mighty power of Del Potro. Juan Martin is a towering 6'5", used to be that tall, awkward teenager like the giraffe on the court who hadn't filled out yet or found his power. Del Po, as some like to shorten his name, is filling out nicely and has power strokes that others find difficult to return. Del Potro seems to have a rather stable game or a lack-luster game as some sports commentators describe it with little variety in his shots but I just think he hasn't developed the style in his game that he will develop over time with coaching that will bring balance to his power and extend or expand the finesse of his game.

Soderling fell to him yesterday and Soderling has it all: finesse, super powerful serves, and a dedication to focusing and outwitting opponents. Soderling has the full package on court it seems. But like Federer who lost twice to Del Potro, Soderling took the match to three sets but lost in the tie-breaker. What a great match that was!

Now, to Davydenko, to me the feistiest player in these top eight. Davydenko at 5'10" has it all. He darts around the court with amazing speed which should be an advantage over the lanky Del Potro. Plus, Davydenko has the edge when it comes to experience. And he's a Russian which, to me, means relentless training that probably few others on the tour can match. To me, for his size and over-all game coupled with tenacity, Davydenko has Del Potro on speed and expansiveness of strokes in his kit bag. Davydenko just has to keep focused.

And if you don't recognize Davydenko, he's letting his hair grow out. Looking good, Nikolay.

Davydenko is like the terrier, feisty and willing to go the extra miles, bloodied but unbowed.

The tennis aficionados probably give the match to Del Potro and, against many other players, I would too. But today, I'm bucking the odds and sending a shout-out to Davydenko.

I really like Del Potro but today I'm putting the win with Davydenko.

It's almost time for the match so good playing to both champions in London...