REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad via Daylife

Nikolay Davydenko pulled off a miracle in Doha on Saturday, beating Rafael Nadal: 0-6, 7-6(8), 6-4 in the Qatar Open finals. Not only was he bageled (for the first time in 338  matches!) in the first set, he also saved a couple match points. I guess the reigning ATP World Tour Finals champion also holds the title of Most Confident Man on tour. He’s just not going to lose, no way, no how, to nobody – even Rafa.

I mean, just look at this guy:

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Confident, but practical – making sure they spelled his name right. . .

REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad via Daylife

You know what they say – confidence is sexy! Go Kolya!

AP Photo/Hassan Ammar via Daylife

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Kolya kisses another bird:

REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad via Daylife

Rafael Nadal is also feeling pretty good about himself. He told reporters after the match that he’s playing as well as he did in 2008, when he won the French Open, Wimbledon and an Olympic gold medal (via ATP):

“Sure, it’s better to win, especially when you have the chance,” said Nadal. “But, that’s tennis and probably this match I needed a little bit more calm. But playing at this level I am sure I’m going to win [a title].

“I think I did the most difficult thing (today) and that was playing all the time at my best level. I’m probably playing better than ever, for the moment. There was one moment in 2008 maybe where I played like I did today in the first set. So that’s a very positive thing for me. I don’t know if I will win in Australia, but I think I’m in a very, very good way.”

Bottom line: Rafa’s got his mojo back and Kolya is no longer a “blackhorse” but one of the main contenders for the Australian Open title. The plot thickens Down Under. . .

And some video highlights: