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RAFA STARTS 2009 WITH A BRILLIANT VICTORY OVER DAVYDENKO

Rafa Nadal has started the 2009 season with a great victory and a new 'look'. The spanish star jumped on court today wearing a new Nike polo shirt and short shorts that have replaced the iconic 'pirata' pants and sleeveless shirts.

The only thing that hasn't changed about Rafa in this new year is his game. Once again, he's come out with the goods, winning against Davydenko 6-2, 6-3 in the semi-finals of the Capitala World Tennis Championship, an exhibition shoot-out being played at the Zayed Sports City tennis stadium.

On his match against Davydenko, Rafa said: "I have been working hard on my game lately even though I haven’t been playing competitive tennis for the past two months or so. I was delighted with the way I played today and am looking forward to the rest of the season."Rafa also revealed his ambitions for 2009, saying: “The aim really is to be a better player than I was last year and to keep improving. Obviously, I like the position I am in right now and would like to keep it this way as long as possible.”

THE MATCH

Davydenko started in brilliant fashion by breaking Rafa in the first game without giving him any point. But the joy wasn't going to last for too long as Rafa regrouped within no time and completely dominated the Russian to take the first set 6-2. 

In the second set, Davydenko broke Rafa in the first game again, but the reigning French and Wimbledon champion broke right back. Another break in the sixth game and it was all over for Davydenko.

Rafa wll play against world No.4, Andy Murray in tomorrow's final after the Scotsman prevailed in three sets 4-6 6-2 7-6 (8-6) in his semifinal match against Roger Federer.

The winner of the Nadal-Murray final takes home the entire purse of $250,000 in the shoot-out tournament.