DC: Nalbandian Sends Argentina into Quarterfinals

Sweden vs. Argentina: Winner Argentina 3-2

Initially flying in to support his Argentine squad this weekend, Davis Cup stalwart David Nalbandian inevitibly rescued his team from the jaws of elimination by defeating Andreas Vinciguerra 7-5, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

Helping to secure the doubles point on Saturday with teammate Horacio Zeballos, Nalbandian subbed in for Eduardo Schwank before the start of the fifth rubber.

Nalbandian, who told reporter before the tie that “if I have to play in a wheelchair I will” put forth a riveting performance which lasted two hours and 35 minutes. The 28-year-old had recently suffered an abdominal tear while competing in his home event in Buenos Aires.

Earlier in the day, Robin Soderling survived 25 aces from Leonardo Mayer to win 7-5, 7-6 (5), 7-5 and force the deciding match.

Using his court craft and trusting two-handed backhand, Nalbandian adapted well to the fast Stockholm surface, which was made to aid the Swedish team.

Winning 75 percent of his first serve points while breaking serve on four of five occasions, Nalbandian improved to 18-4 in Davis Cup singles competition.

Argentina, who have never won the Davis Cup title, appeared in harms way of being defeated in the opening round when Juan Martin del Potro, Juan Monaco and Nalbandian became injured.

Losing to two-time defending champions Spain at home during the 2008 final, Argentina will remain hopeful of their Davis Cup dream against Russia in the quarterfinals.

The final eight tie between Argentina and Russia will be played July 9-11.

DC: Argentina Pulls Ahead of Sweden 2-1

The dynamic Argentine team of David Nalbandian and Horacio Zeballos upset the home court of Sweden on Saturday during the doubles competition in Davis Cup.

Defeating the Swedish team of Robin Soderling and Robert Lindstedt 6-2, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), the Argentine team stands at one win away from advancing to the quarterfinals.

Nalbandian, who was not scheduled to particpate in the tie, made the late trip to Stockholm after being sidelined with an abdominal injury.

Day three action in Sweden will feature reverse singles action.

DC: Sweden and Argentina Tied at 1-1 After Day One Action

Sweden vs. Argentina: In Sweden

Seven-time Davis Cup winners Sweden will head into Saturday’s Davis Cup tie even at 1-1 against a resilient Argentine squad.

The first match of the day saw Robin Soderling power through a determined effort from clay-court comfortable Eduardo Schwank. Using 17 aces and 78 percent of his first serve points won, Soderling defeated Schwank 6-1, 7-6 (0), 7-5 in two hours and 30 minutes.

Surprised by the level of play from his Argentine opponent, Soderling confessed that he needed to be on top form in order to prevail.

“I started the match really well, played an excellent first set and then in the second I maybe didn’t move as well and let him dictate the points a little bit more,” Soderling said. “He played well – he surprised me in the second and third sets because he was serving well and mixing his game up well with some serve and volley. He played a good match.”

Soderling’s win would prove to vital, considering Joachim Johansson’s loss against Leonardo Mayer in the day’s second rubber, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.

Using a brilliant array of serving tactics, Mayer struck 28 aces and won 82 percent of his first serve points during the three hour and one minute contest.

Johansson, who continues to suffer from a right elbow injury, lost his serve on three occasions, while serving seven double faults.

Saturday’s doubles contest will reportedly feature David Nalbandian and Horacio Zeballos vs. Robert Lindstedt and Soderling.

Nalbandian, who sustained an abdominal tear in Buenos Aires last month, was a late arrival in Sweden after having originally opted out of the tie.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

Thomas Enqvist Makes Debut as Swedish Davis Cup Captain

Former world No. 4 and Australian Open finalist Thomas Enqvist will make his debut as Swedish Davis Cup captain this weekend against Argentina.

Enqvist’s decision of picking injury prone Joachim Johansson to play singles against the Argentine squad may prove to be beneficial considering the fast indoor court in Stockholm.

Winning 17 singles titles during his 15-year-career, Enqvist brings a wealth of knowledge to a powerful Swedish squad.

Davis Cup action begins this weekend in 34 respective countries around the world.

Nalbandian Decides to Play Davis Cup

Davis Cup stalwart David Nalbandian has decided to travel to Sweden this weekend for his countries’ first-round tie in Stockholm.

Suffering a tear in his abdominal while reaching the quarterfinals in Buenos Aires last month, Nalbandian will play doubles with teammate Horacio Zeballos on Saturday, and if required reverse singles on Sunday.

Nalbandian was quoted on his official website as saying,”we will do everything to qualify for the next round.”

Quote courtesy of tennis.com.

Monaco Joins Injured List for Argentina’s Davis Cup Team

Argentine tennis player Juan Monaco will reportedly miss next week’s Davis Cup tie in Sweden because of an abdominal tear he sustained during his semifinal loss to Juan Carlos Ferrero in Acapulco, Mexico on Friday.

Retiring from the match after trailing 7-5, Monaco will join Juan Martin del Potro and David Nalbandian as the nation’s most notable absentees.

“I think it is a tear,” Monaco told Argentine sports daily Ole. “I’m very angry.”

Juan Ignacio Chela will likely be called in to take Monaco’s place on the team. The Argentine veteran will be joined by Leonardo Mayer, Eduardo Schwank and Horacio Zeballos.

Information and quotes courtesy of tennis.com.

Day 7 Review: Querrey Wins Memphis: Llodra Captures Marseille; Ferrero Secures Argentina

Regions Morgan Keegan Championships—Memphis, TN.

Up-and-coming American Sam Querrey captured the third title of his career on Sunday in Memphis, TN., defeating good friend and fellow Davis Cup teammate John Isner, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Recovering from the loss of the first set, Querrey began to use his rocket forehand to offset the tempo of Isner.

Isner, who was attempting to win his second title of the season, fell to 13-2 on the year.

Querrey, who was seeded No. 8 at the event, defeated his second seeded opponent of the week after upsetting top ranked Andy Roodick in the quarterfinals.

Adding to his Los Angeles title last summer, and his Las Vegas crown in 2008, Querrey captured the biggest point title of his career on Sunday which was worth 500 ATP World Tour points.

Currently ranked No. 31 in the world, Querrey, who is aged 22, will likely move into the low 20’s when Monday’s rankings are released.

Querrey had this to say after his win.

“It’s the first time we’ve played,” said Querrey. “I’m sure the next 10 years we’ll play another 10-15 times. I’m sure he’ll win some of those, I’ll win some of those, and it’s tough but it’s just something we’ve got to deal with.”

Both Querrey and Isner will be the highlighted players for the United States’ first-round Davis Cup tie against Serbia March 5-7.

The US will travel to Serbia to play on clay.

Open 13—Marseille, France

Frenchman Michael Llodra completed his sensational week of tennis on Sunday by capturing his fourth singles title, and 18th doubles crown of his career in Marseille, France.

Defeating countryman Julien Benneteau 6-3, 6-4, Llodra later teamed with his finals opponent to defeat the top seeded duo of Julien Knowle and Robert Lindstedt 6-4, 6-3.

Llodra’s serve continued to dominate the singles court against Benneteau, striking 14 aces while winning 85 percent of his first serve points. The high first serve percentage by Llodra was the third consecutive match he’d won more than 80 percent of his first serve points.

Capturing his first title since Rotterdam in 2008, Llodra needed one hour and 10 minutes to defeat his doubles partner.

Breaking Benneteau’s serve on two occasions (2-2), Llodra told the French media that the conditions in Marseille suited his game to a tee.

“The conditions in Marseille are great for my game. I served very well and was solid throughout the whole match.”

Reaching the finals last year in a losing effort to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Llodra was aware that a first-round loss in this year’s event would greatly effect his ranking. The 29-year-old was happy that his children were in attendance to witness his victory.

“At the beginning of the week I knew that I could go down as far as 120 in the rankings if I lost in the first round,” said Llodra. ”It’s unbelievable to finally win a final in France after losing here and in Lyon last year. I enjoyed the week a lot and it was great to have my kids here today watching the final.”

Pocketing €92,400 and 250 ATP World Tour points for his week’s work, Llodra will now fly to Dubai for the 500 point event next week. The Open 13 champion will face No. 5 seed Tsonga in the first-round.

Failing to capture his first career title (0-4), Benneteau took home €48,700 for his efforts and 150 ATP World Tour points.

The 28-year-old gave full credit to the champion and his doubles partner.

“Today Mika was playing very well,” said Benneteau. ”You need to play an exceptional match if you want to beat him. He was serving very well, using different angles and different speeds. And even if I returned well he answered with great volleys. It was very complicated. I was a bit tired mentally since I came from two difficult matches during the last two days.”

Benneteau will also fly to Dubai where he will face Tommy Robredo in first-round action.

Copa Telmax—Buenos Aires, Argentina

Former world No. 1 and French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero captured his second consecutive Tour title on Sunday at the Copa Telmax in Argentina, defeating top seed David Ferrer, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Winning his 10th straight match on Tour, Ferrero gained 250 ATP World Tour points for his week’s efforts, while capturing the 14th title of his career.

Ferrero had captured his 13th career title in Brazil last week.

Ferrer, who was attempting to win his first Tour title since 2008, squandered his momentum and a one set lead in the middle of the second set.

Changing to a more agressive serve and return of serve strategy, Ferrero gained a crucial break of serve in the second set to level the match.

Continuing his ruthless ground game in the third set, Ferrero broke Ferrer’s serve in the seventh game before serving out the title.

An elated Ferrero told reporters that he believed he could return to the top 10.

“I feel unbelievable after winning two weeks in a row,” said Ferrero. “It is a great feeling. I think the key to my current success is the physical work I have done. I have been working very hard and I know that I can be on the court forever. That helps my game a lot because I get to the ball much earlier and can be more aggressive.

“This also helps me mentally. I feel very strong and know that I have more resources now when playing important points. I have been working with a friend on the mental aspect and all is coming into place.

“My goal is to get back to the Top 10,” said Ferrero. “This victory makes me believe in this goal. I don’t have much to defend in Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami so I hope I will do well, get extra [South African Airways 2010 ATP Rankings] points and move up in the rankings.”

Ferrero, who is currently ranked No. 22 in the world, will reclaim a top 20 position when Monday’s rankings are released.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

Day 6 Review: Querrey to Face Isner in Memphis Final; Frenchmen Battle for Marseille Crown; Ferrero Bids for Second Straight Title in Argentina

Regions Morgan Keegan Championships—Memphis, U.S.A

Recently appointed Davis Cup teammates Sam Querrey and John Isner will battle for their first ATP World Tour 500 series title on Sunday in Memphis, TN.

Competing together in the doubles draw this week, Isner began the day session by defeating Philipp Petzschner 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, which was followed by Querrey ousting in-form Ernests Gulbis 6-3, 6-4.

Conceding his serve midway through the second set, Isner quickly picked up his level of play to break Petzschner early in the third set. Improving to 12-1 on year, Isner will attempt to win his second title of the season on Sunday.

The 24-year-old American, who struck 13 aces while breaking Petzschner’s serve on three occasions, told reporters that his semifinal victory was far from easy.

“It was extremely difficult,” said Isner. “I had some chances early in the second to pull away a little bit, didn’t do it… It went to a third set and I told myself not to get rattled, which I didn’t. I knew that I still had my serve in my pocket – I’m going to hold serve, take my chances on the return game, and I like my chances in the third set no matter who I’m playing. I usually play pretty well in the third.”

Competing in his third career final on Sunday, the Georgia native told the media that he couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2010 season.

“It’s huge,” said Isner. “It’ll be my second final already this year in my third tournament…Hopefully I can come out tomorrow and get it done no matter who I’m playing. Either way, I know I’ve done really well but I’m not satisfied, that’s for sure.”

Isner will face Querrey for the first time on Sunday, in what should be a close encounter.

Querrey was efficient in disposing of Latvian Gulbis in one hour and 28 minutes.

Gulbis, who was coming into the semifinal on the heals of an emotional victory over Thomas Berdych, failed to convert on his nine break point chances while surrendering his serve on two occasions.

Querrey, who was overly vocal and perturbed throughout his victory, argued with the chair umpire over several let-cord calls.

Winning 74 percent of his first serve points, Querrey struck 11 aces on his way to claiming his seventh win of the season.

Bidding to win his third career title, Querrey stands at 2-6 in career finals.

Open 13—Marsielle, France

Following his quarterfinal victory over No. 3 seed Gael Monfils, Frenchman Julien Benneteau defeated defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (11), 5-7, 7-6 (3) on Saturday.

Reaching the finals in just under three hours, Benneteau’s crafty all-court game was a touch better than Tsonga’s on the day.

Withstanding 23 aces by Tsonga, Benneteau gained the upper-hand in both tiebreaks to claim his 10th win of the season.

Tsonga, who was attempting to reach the seventh final of his career, dropped to 7-2 on the season.

Aiming to win his first career title, Benneteau will be adamant on improving on his 0-3 career finals record.

The 28-year-old Frenchman will next meet last year’s finalist Michael Llodra, who defeated Mischa Zverev 6-1, 7-6 (3).

Llodra played his second consecutive near perfect match to defeat his German opponent in one hour and 11 minutes. Dismissing top seed Robin Soderling in the quarterfinals, Llorda’s serve was once again untouchable on Saturday, pounding 13 aces while winning 85 percent of his first serve points.

Vying for his fourth career title on Sunday, Llodra joked with the media after disclosing how he would deal with his doubles partner Benneteau during the championship match.

“We didn’t talk about the match today. But when he hit an ace with his second serve during the first set of the doubles I told him not to do it tomorrow (laughing),” joked Llodra. ”It will be special to play another final here in France. Julien has been playing well during the whole week, beating great players such as Gael and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

“It’s great to be in both finals. Today I started very well but then had a little down at the beginning of the second set.”

Never facing each other in ATP World Tour competition, Benneteau and Llorda will battle top seeds Julian Knowle and Robert Lindstedt in the doubles final after contesting the singles title match.

Copa Telmax—Buenos Aires, Argentina

No. 2 seed Juan Carlos Ferrero won his ninth straight match on the ATP World Tour on Saturday, defeating last year’s finalist Juan Monaco 6-2, 7-6 (7) in semifinal action.

Using his confidence and exquisite ball-striking skills, Ferrero broke Monaco’s serve three times in the first set and once in the second set.

Defeating Monaco in the pair’s first ever contest, Ferrero improved to 9-2 on the season. Monaco, who was attempting to reach his third career final in Argentina, fell to 10-4 on the year. Monaco was forced to play his quarterfinal match earlier on Saturday against Horacio Zeballos because of persistent rain on Friday. Monaco defeated Zeballos 7-5, 6-1.

Attempting to win his 14th career final on Sunday, Ferrero will battle fellow Spaniard David Ferrer.

Ferrer used his powerful foot and leg speed to win two matches on Saturday—first by defeating Igor Andreev 7-5, 6-2, and later returning to dismiss Albert Montanes 6-1, 6-1.

Winning his seven and eighth matches of the season, Ferrer needed one hour and 42 minutes to dispose of Andreev, and one hour and 11 minutes to oust Montanes.

The former world No 4 will attempt to win his eighth career title on Sunday.

Ferrer and Ferrero have met on six occasions, with Ferrer leading 5-1 in career head-to-head meetings.

Ferrer won his 300 career ATP match with his victory over Andreev.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

Day 5 Review: Roddick and Querrey Highlight Memphis Action; Soderling Out of Marseille; Ferrero Continues Charge in Buenos Aires

Regions Morgan Keegan Championships—Memphis, USA

Top seed Andy Roddick will face his toughest challenge in Memphis this week, when he battles America’s No. 2 ranked player Sam Querrey.

Squeaking past Querrey in three sets last week in San Jose—which included two tiebreak wins—Roddick has struggled against the firepower of his younger ranked countryman.

Leading Querrey 4-1 in career head-to-head meetings, Roddick lost to the Las Vegas resident in Cincinnati  last summer.

Defeating Yen-Hsun Lu 7-6 (2), 6-4 on Thursday evening, Roddick told reporters that the big men in today’s game move much better than they did 10 years ago.

“I think the biggest thing is that when I started the guys who were big didn’t move well. But now you have guys like Sam [Querrey] who is 6′ 6″, 6′ 7″ and runs really well. His lateral movement doesn’t look awkward.

“Same with [Juan Martin] del Potro and a couple of these other guys. So you get their length, and I don’t think it’s coincidental that the game is getting bigger and taller.”

Along with the day’s blockbuster quarterfinal, Friday’s action in Memphis will feature the following three quarterfinals matches:

Ernests Gulbis will battle No. 5 seed Thomas Berdych in a matchup of two of the most talented but mentally fragile players on Tour; No. 6 seed John Isner will stand toe-to-toe with Ivo Karlovic in the tallest recorded ATP World Tour match in history—Isner is 6′9″ and Karlovic is 6′10″. The Croatian owns a 1-0 career head-to-head lead over the young American.

The day’s first match will pit hard-hitting German Philipp Petzchner against Slovak player Lukas Lacko. Petzchner is coming into Memphis off of a semifinals appearance in Zagreb two week’s ago.

Open 13—Marseille, France

Recent Rotterdam champion Robin Soderling was knocked out of the Open 13 in Marseille on Friday by defending finalist Michael Llodra, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

Llodra, who is one the most talented players on tour, struck 15 aces while winning 93 percent of his first serve points (37-40). Converting on the lone break of the match during the ninth game of the second set, Llodra improved to 2-0 against Soderling, while evening his year-to-date record at 4-4.

Winning  his eighth career match in Marseille in one hour and 26 minutes, Llorda will next face the winner of Mischa Zverev vs. Guillaume Rufin.

Rufin, who is making his debut in an ATP World Tour quarterfinal, continues to be a hot prospect for the French Tennis Federation at 18-years-old.

The youngster defeated Laurent Recouderc and Yannick Mertens en route to the final eight.

Defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga continued his course at winning his sixth career title this week after disposing of Illya Marchenko 6-3, 6-4.

Nursing an abdominal injury, Tsonga breezed through the one hour and 34 minute match by breaking his opponent on three of 11 opportunities.

Winning 80 percent of his first serve points while using his destructive forehand to gain passage into the net, Tsonga captured his seventh win of the season, and first over Marchenko.

The No. 2 seed and world No. 9 will next face the winner of No. 3 seed Gael Monfils vs. Julien Benneteau.

The French fight later in the day will highlight the pair’s sixth meeting which Monfils leads 4-1. Winning the pair’s last three meetings, Monfils has not lost to Benneteau since 2007 (Indian Wells).

If Rufin can defeat Zverev, then the Open 13 will guarantee a home-country winner this year.

Copa Telmax— Buenos, Aires, Argentina

After day which saw national hero David Nalbandian withdraw from the event with an adductor injury, Friday’s order of play in Argentina will feature only three quarterfinal matches.

Nalbandian’s proposed quarterfinal opponent Albert Montanes received automatic entry into the semifinals after the injured Argentine opted to rest his leg. Nalbandian will be out of action for the next two weeks.

Montanes will await the winner of day’s most evenly contested match between No. 1 seed David Ferrer and Russian workhorse Igor Andreev.

Trailing Andreev 4-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Ferrer has won the pair’s last two encounters. Moving quietly through the draw this week, Ferrer defeated Simon Greul and Frederico Gil in routine fashion.

Bidding for his first title since 2008, Ferrer is currently ranked No. 19 in the world.

Andreev, who has dropped to his lowest ranking since July 2008, is coming off a semifinal appearance in Brazil last week.

Brazil Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero will remain adamant on continuing his sizzling form on Friday in Buenos Aires, when he faces countryman Santiago Ventura.

Bidding to win his eighth consecutive match on Tour, Ferrero will look to impose his formidable forehand-backhand combination to offset his good friend.

Seeking his 14th career title, Ferrero would next face the winner of the day’s most anticipated match between No. 8 seed Horacio Zeballos vs. No. 4 seed Juan Monaco.

Monaco, who lost in the finals last year to Tommy Robredo, won the event in 2007 over Alessio Di Mauro from Italy. Deeming the Buneos Aires event as his favorite of the year, Monaco brushed aside Lukasz Kubot and Juan Ignacio Chela en route to the quarterfinals.

Zeballos, who recently won the ATP World Tour’s Newcomer of the Year award, defeated former French Open champions Gaston Gaudio and Carlos Moya in the first and second rounds, respectively.

The sold-out night session will undoubtedly be in full support of their two up-and-coming stars. Talk soon.

Day 3 Review: Memphis, Marseille, and Buenos Aires

Regions Morgan Keegan Championships—Memphis, USA

After Tuesday’s nights shocking exit of recent San Jose champion Fernando Verdasco, a wide open bottom half of the Memphis draw will take to the court on Wednesday.

Losing 7-6 (4), 6-3 to Jeremy Chardy during the night session, Verdasco appeared tired and not used to the change in venue. Having only one day to adjust the the different conditions in Memphis, Verdasco was far from his best during his one hour and 15 minute defeat. Verdasco will now reportedly take three weeks off to rest a sciatic nerve injury he sustained after the Australian Open. The 26-year-old Madrid native could also miss Spain’s first-round Davis Cup tie against Switzerland.

“With just one day in between matches and in different conditions, and not being able to practice on the stadium court before the match, it was difficult,” said Verdasco. “And it was difficult for me to get the timing. But he played a great match. He served really good.”

Whether he wants to admit it or not, Verdasco’s woes on Tuesday night were also attributed to his new Yonex racket. Changing to the new frame at the beginning of last week, Verdasco seemed hesitant when lining up his usually rock-solid forehand.

Chardy will next face Lukas Lacko, who defeated Bobby Reynolds 2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-3 earlier on Tuesday. Chardy also picked up his first win of the season after losing his first four matches of the year.

Wednesday’s order of play will be highlighted by the event’s best first-round matchup between No. 1 seed Andy Roddick taking on good friend James Blake.

Trailing Roddick 6-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Blake has won the pair’s last three matches. Dropping to No. 55 in the world, Blake has recorded a mediocre 3-3 record to begin the season. Changing rackets to begin the year, Blake’s best result of ‘10 came during the Brisbane, Australia event when he reached the quarterfinals (l. Gael Monfils).

Roddick, who is the defending champion this week, would lose 500 ATP World Tour points if he was ousted by Blake. The loss would also drop Roddick to No. 8 in the world in next week’s rankings. The American is currently ranked No. 7.

Elsewhere, defending finalist and No. 3 seed Radek Stepanek will battle the shaky but talented Ernests Gulbis; No. 6 seed John Isner will search for a quarterfinal spot against crafty Finn Jarrko Nieminen, and Evgeny Korolev will take on Philipp Petzschner, who defeated Taylor Dent in first-round action.

Three time champion Tommy Haas will make his first appearance of the week against fellow veteran Xavier Malisse. Haas has been busy in the public relations department as of late, announcing his engagement to Sara Foster, acquiring US citizenship, and legally changing his name in the past week.

The 31-year-old German will take a 9-3 winning record against Malisse into Wednesday’s contest.

No. 8 seed Sam Querrey will look to jump start his season against fellow American Rajeev Ram, while Mardy Fish will test his ailing knee against hard-hitting Argentine Leonardo Mayer.

Open 13—Marseille, France

Choosing to work on his hard-court game instead of defending his clay-court dominance of last season may end up costing Spaniard Tommy Robredo.

Opting to miss his title defense in Brazil last week, Robredo was defeated in the second-round of Rotterdam by Florian Mayer. Adding to his recent bad form on Tour, Robredo was ousted in the second-round of Marseille on Wednesday by Mischa Zverev 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

Coming into the event as the No. 4 seed, Robredo will now lose the 250 points he gained from winning Argentina last year. Losing his serve on four occasions, Robredo showed some momentum in the second set against Zverev before faltering in the third set. Falling to 2-4 on the year, Robredo may lose his top 20 spot when the rankings are released on Monday.

For Zverev, the win over Robredo couldn’t have come at a better time. Losing his first four matches of the year, the German has now won two consecutive matches on Tour.

Zverev will now have a day off on Thursday, while preparing for his quarterfinal opponent on Friday.

Elsewhere, Julien Benneteau stormed into the final eight for the third time this season by defeating countryman Florent Serra 6-4, 6-4. Using his baseline and serve and volley blend of tennis to capture his eighth victory of the year, Benneteau won 70 percent of his first serve points while striking 11 aces. Benneteau will now await the winner of the Gael Monfils vs. Andreas Seppi match.

Other matches that are set to take place on Wednesday will feature:

Defending champion and No. 2 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. lucky loser Joessiln Ouanna; Michael Llodra vs. No. 7 seed Marcos Baghdatis; Guillaume Rufin vs. Mikhail Youzhny, and Jan Hajek vs. Yannick Mertens.

The Tsonga-Ouanna match has the potential to be a great encounter. Ouanna is an up-and-coming Frenchman loaded with athleticism and poise, while Tsonga’s power-driven game continues to climb up the rankings.

Copa Telmax—Buenos Aires, Argentina

After 13 singles matches overloaded the schedule on day two action, Wednesday’s four singles matches in Buenos Aires should allow spectators the comfort of not having to decide which favorite player to watch.

Aiming to win his seventh straight match on Tour, No. 2 seed Juan Carlos Ferrero will take on his second Brazilian player of the week, Marcos Daniel. Disposing of Ricardo Mello in straight sets on Tuesday, Ferrero will take a 1-0 head-to-head deficit against Daniel into their second-round clash. Ferrero was forced to withdraw from the pair’s previous encounter during the first-round of the 2008 French Open.

Capturing his 13th career title over the weekend in Brazil, Ferrero will be the player to beat this week in Argentina.

Winning his first Tour-level match in nearly a year, unseeded hometown favorite David Nalbandian will attempt to reach the quarterfinal of the Copa Telmax event against Daniel Gimeno-Traver.

Defeating Italian Potito Starace 6-2, 7-6 (2) in a rain-delayed first-round contest, Nalbandian appeared fleet of foot, while showing off his leaner physic.

Nalbandian told reporters that he was happy with his performance.

“I’m happy to be able to play tennis again, to compete,” Nalbandian said. “Being away from the circuit so long, it helped to play at home in Argentina. It helped to motivate me.”

Nalbandian holds a 1-0 career head-to-head lead over Gimeno-Traver, defeating the Spaniard in the identical round of the event last year.

No. 7 seed Victor Hanescu will face veteran Spaniard Santiago Ventura for a place in the final eight, while Pablo Andujar will take on No. 5 seed Albert Montanes.

Other notable winners on Tuesday included:

Former world No. 1 and French Open champion Carlos Moya won his first match in the last twelve months over Fillipo Volandri 6-2, 7-5, while fellow former French Open champion Gaston Gaudio was defeated in three sets by countryman No. 8 seed Horacio Zeballos 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Moya and Zeballos will face off for a place in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

Top seed David Ferrer also cruised into the second-round by defeating Simon Greul 6-2, 7-6(3). Ferrer will face Frederico Gil in second-round action.

Quotes courtesy of Associated Press.

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