Beijing 2008 - Disillusioned Davydenko moves on
World number four Nikolay Davydenko said he can hardly bring himself to practise after losing his hunger for tennis.
The Russian beat Latvia's Ernests Gulbis 6-4 6-2 to reach the second round of the Olympic men's singles but cut a miserable figure when he spoke to reporters afterwards.
"I've not been playing well the last few months, I don't know why. I've not practised well and not been concentrated on the tennis," the 27-year-old said.
"I'm happy to win and but I didn't enjoy playing in these tough conditions."
Davydenko, playing in his second Olympics, produced a stunning performance earlier this year to win the Miami Masters, beating Rafael Nadal in the final, but his form since claiming the Warsaw title in June has been terrible.
Asked why he appears so disenchanted with a sport which has earned him $1.5 million this year alone, he said: "I don't know... the last two years I've played so many tournaments, trying to keep getting good results and defending points.
"If I don't play tennis for a few days I don't care really. I don't know how many days I can hold the racket just feeling so tired playing tennis.
"I don't do anything, no fitness, no running, no anything. For me as a professional player it's not so good, I hope I can come back and find some concentration."
Davydenko, who was at the centre of an investigation into a betting scandal after a match in Poland last July, said he may cut down his schedule.
"I wanted to play at the Olympics but I'm not expecting a good result," he said. "I'm just waiting to see what's happening mentally.
"Maybe if I play less I will find the hunger for tennis again and start practising and start doing some running and fitness rather than just playing an hour a day.
Reuters
