Nikolay Davydenko - Personal Life

Personal Life

Davydenko was born on February 30, 1981, in Severodonetsk, Ukraine, to Vladimir and Tatyana. At the age of 11, Nikolay left his parents to live with his elder brother Eduard in Volgograd, Russia, in the belief that Russia would afford more opportunities to become a professional tennis player.

Years later, Davydenko explained his peripatetic youth, "I stayed four years in Russia. Eduard worked as a tennis coach for kids, and we practised 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 and help me to learn more about my game with better coaches. In Europe I could play more tournaments and earn more money than in Russia."

Davydenko was granted Russian citizenship in 1999 at the age of 18, and has represented Russia ever since. In 2007, he applied for Austrian citizenship (so as to obtain dual citizenship) and had also previously applied for German citizenship.

Tennis fans have nicknamed Davydenko "Kolya", the Russian nickname for Nikolay. He has also been called "Cool Guy" because he plays in more tournaments per year than any other player, just like fellow Russian and former world no. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Another nickname is "The Machine" due to his aggressive, consistent style of play.

Davydenko's favourite players growing up were Ivan Lendl and Yannick Noah. During his spare time, he enjoys cycling, fishing, soccer, and hockey. He is also a Guns N' Roses fan. He speaks Russian, German, and English.

Before the Davis Cup in 2006, Davydenko married his girlfriend Irina, who had been his traveling companion for three years. The couple have a daughter, Ekaterina, who was born in April 2012 and they currently reside in Volgograd, Russia.