Nadal vs Federer: The verdict 

Source: ReutersRafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Nikolay Davydenko is not one to mince words.

The Russian tends to say exactly what he thinks, at all times - much to the chargin of the ATP and sometimes fellow players.

During the week at the Shanghai Masters he criticised tournaments in the USA (saying Asian events are "ten times better organised"), slammed players who claimed the season was too long and freely admitted he loves the "great prizemoney" that the big events offer.

The 28-year-old was also quite willing to compare the games of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the benefit of the world's media.

It was fascinating to hear a player's insight into facing the two great champions.

According to Davydenko, Federer's big serve and tendency to go for winners mean the play feels very fast.

"He didn't make so long rally and you need always running with him. It's much more difficult."

In contrast, Nadal preference for longer rallies means a slower place.

"You have always chance to control ball. You have always chance to play long line across (crosscourt), always fighting with him.

Essentially Davydenko emphasised that Nadal, great player and competitor that he is, is emimently beatable whereas the Swiss is often untouchable

"If he [has] very good feeling, have very good confidence, it's not so easy to beat him.

Davydenko recalled their Roland Garros fourth round clash in 2009, where he had many chances but couldn't get near the eventual champion

"I have always chance to win first, second or third set, but I didn't because he was better, you know, good concentration and did the job."

Such honesty is rare in sports, especially individual sports like tennis.

It is hard to imagine Phil Mickelson discussing the merits of Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia is such a fashion.

Davydenko trumped Nadal to win the Shanghai Masters, but made it clear things would have been very different had the Fed express been in town.

"I don't know if I play today against Federer what can happen.

"Really, it's a different situation, you know. I was really happy it was not Federer today."

tvnz.co.nz's Michael Burgess is in China courtesy of the Asia New Zealand foundation and travelled there with Air New Zealand. He is aiming to investigate the impact and legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and will be writing about the sights and sounds of China along the way.