Personal life
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."[citation needed]
Davydenko was granted Russian citizenship in 1999 at the age of 18 (losing his Ukrainian citizenship), and has represented Russia ever since. In 2007, he applied for Austrian citizenship (so as to obtain dual citizenship) and has also previously applied for German citizenship.
Tennis fans have nicknamed Davydenko "Kolya", the Russian nickname for Nikolay. He has also been called "Iron Man" 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 was his traveling companion for three years. He currently resides in Volgograd, Russia.
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko
Nikolay Davydenko
