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Russia's Nikolay Davydenko kisses his wife Iriana after his win - Source: Reuters -
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Strolling to the Nikolay Davydenko press conference after his epic semi final victory over Novak Djokovic legendary singer Paul Simon came to mind.
Simon penned the classic "Diamonds on the soles of her shoes" but he would have been inspired by Davydenko uber-glamorous wife Irina.
I could be mistaken, but I am sure she was wearing a diamond encrusted hoodie as she walked besides her husband to the conference.
Certainly the Chinese media had noticed her.
"Niko, we all saw your beautiful wife there by the side of the court. Does it make a big difference that she's here with you?
Often players clam up when faced with personal questions but the 28-year-old Russian was all smiles and happy to give details.
"It's not [the] first time. She is already with me since 2003. She still travels mostly to every tournament. Just maybe a few weeks take off, she go home to see parents, but normally she have the same life like me. But not play tennis; just watching tennis."
As you may have noticed, Davydenko's English is a grammar free zone but he is still willing and able to express himself very well.
Davydenko is a complex character. He has been a regular in the top five in the world for the last four years but has never gained the profile of others who have achieved a lot less.
Indeed just a few years ago he turned up at the season-ending Shanghai Masters event and played in some tatty white t-shirts that he had allegedly purchased at a market in the city. The word got around and soon afterwards he picked up a Chinese apparel sponsor.
He is not flashy on the court and is perceived by the Western media as lacking charisma or personality.
This seems unfair. Seeing him in action on and off the court this week in Shanghai there is a lot to like.
He attacks the ball very early, similar to Agassi, he has great lateral movement on court and against Djokovic hit some outstanding passing shots.
Though he doesn't suffer fools, he is friendly, affable and honest.
While most players this week banged on about tiredness and the length of the season, the Russian pointed out that it all depends on what kind of form you are in as to your perspective.
When asked if he is desperate to qualify for the Tennis Master Final in London (top eight players in the world) he recalled Irina's sage advice.
"Like my wife say already, you already top 15 in this year. What you want? You know, what you want to think about London? Take rest. Enjoy holiday if not reach London."
But he also said that he enjoyed the competition of playing with the top eight guys in the world and the "great prizemoney".
During all this his wife sat expressionless at the back of the room, as the lights shined off that dazzling hoodie.
We can't be sure that she understands English, but there is some certainty about her appreciation of pure bling.
