(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-02-22 11:39

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands - Russian Nikolay Davydenko, under investigation by the ATP over an alleged betting scandal, thanked world number one Roger Federer for his support on Thursday.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia waves after he won the rubber against Novak Djokovic, unseen, of Serbia during The Davis Cup World Group first round series between Russia and Serbia in Moscow, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. [Agencies]

Federer said in Moscow this week he believed fourth-ranked Davydenko was innocent.

"That was interesting," Davydenko told Reuters after losing 6-3 7-5 to unseeded Frenchman Michael Llodra in the second round of the World Indoor Tournament. "Roger has supported me from the beginning and I thank him for that.

"He has known me a long time and knows I always give my best tennis. I receive a lot of support from other players but if the number one says this you don't need anything more."

Davydenko said he hoped Federer's comments might help to conclude the probe by the governing body of tennis.

"His remarks might put some pressure on the ATP so they speed up the investigation and finally close it," he said.

Davydenko has been under almost constant scrutiny since a match he was involved in last year in Poland was the subject of irregular betting patterns.