Proving Their Point: Nadal and Murray

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

The great thing about tennis tournaments is that there is no real script to follow. Some matches are done in under an hour, while others drag on into the wee-hours of the morning. While Andy Murray was the recipient of a clean cut bushwhacking of David Nalbandian today, top seed Rafael Nadal was forced to find his baseline depth in order to defeat Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Beginning the day session with furious footwork, Murray would put on his game face to defuse the winning streak of the Argentine. Needing 70-minutes to reach the semifinals, Murray’s serve, and in particular his backhand cross-court were in resounding form. I had suspected going into the match that Nalbandian’s backhand and court-craft would be too good for Murray. Defeating Robin Soderling and David Ferrer in the earlier rounds, Nalbandian’s match toughness was arguably never higher. However, Murray has proven in past seasons that he is the Master of the Masters 1000 events, and more accurately the best of three set format.

Never defeating Nalbandian in two previous meetings, Murray began the contest by breaking serve twice in the first set. Altering his return stance on numerous occasions, Murray exploited the weak second serve of Nalbandian by striking some returns with vigor, while opening up the court with sharp angled backhands. Nalbandian, who normally picks the pockets of his opponents on the second shot after his serve, seemed slow and lethargic while reaching for the ball.

I guess, and to no fault of the Argentine, that he was spent from his recent success on Tour.

To Murray’s credit, he was patient and aggressive when he needed to be. Nalbandian was never going to blow him off the court like a Robin Soderling or Tomas Berdych could, but the danger of Argentine remained his uncanny ability to make his opponent’s play poorly.

Ironically, Murray played anything but poor during the 6-2, 6-2 scoreline.

“I served well today and got the first good hits in a lot of the rallies so I was able to dictate a lot of the points,” said Murray. When he did have a chance to get back into the first set 3 2, I served a really big ace. Yeah, it was a very good performance.”

Reaching his first Masters 1000 semifinal of the year with his mom by his side, Murray will take an 8-3 head-to-head series deficit against Nadal on Saturday.

***

Rafael Nadal took a few extra deep breaths before he stepped up to the line an returned Philipp Kohlschreiber’s serve at 5-3 down in the first set. The Spaniard knew that he was being outplayed, and that a three set victory was on the horizon. Preparing himself for the long-haul, Nadal kicked his shoe with his racket while stretching out his neck before the start of the second set.

With a clear-head on board, Nadal immediately broke serve to start set two. Inching closer to baseline to combat the flat-hit strokes of the German, Nadal would begin to alter the backswing of his forehand in order to hit the shot earlier. I couldn’t help but notice during Nadal’s forehand return that the Spaniard’s best shot wasn’t really designed for hard-courts. It’s a darn good forehand, don’t get me wrong, but the buggy-whip that he achieves at the end of the stroke often results in short returns.

Because aggressive returns are often hit with more of an around the body follow-through, Nadal finds it difficult to generate the aggression that he would like with his preferred over-the-head-finish. I’ll give Nadal credit for stepping in and taking a few returns within the inch of the sideline, but he’ll have to do more of that if he intends on winning the US Open.

Squaring the match at one set all, Nadal would miss an ideal break point opportunity at 1-2 in the third set. Kohlschreiber would hold his serve routinely in the ensuing game, and would later create a break point chance at 2-3, 30-40. Possessing one of the best backhands on the circuit, I noticed (and I’m sure Nadal did as well) the one flaw with the German’s one-hander: His arm can get very tight when attempting to strike a backhand cross-court return. I’m sure a lot of that has to do with the spin that Nadal generates off of his lefty outwide serve, but whatever the case, Kohlschreiber was unsuccessful in pulling off the shot today.

Finally holding his serve after clipping the tape with a down-the-line forehand winner, Nadal appeared eager to end the contest. Creating a 0-40 opportunity in the seventh game of the final set, Nadal would capture his second break of the match and serve out his victory two games later. Kohlschreiber did entertain the crowd—before he lost—by successfully executing three drop shot winners. Too little, and not enough feel by Gemany’s top ranked player.

So ended the day session at the Rogers Cup. With an entertaining Wimbledon rematch in store between Nadal and Murray, the two superstars once again backed up the time tested notion that tennis can be played, and won, under many different circumstances.

Off for a quick bite before the Federer and Berdych match.

Talk soon.

Nima

Rogers Cup: Day 4 Results—Federer, Murray Advance; Soderling, Davydenko Ousted

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

Thursday’s third-round results:

David Nalbandian d. No. 5 seed Robin Soderling 4-6, 6-4, 6-1; No. 3 seed Roger Federer d. Michael Llodra 7-6 (2), 6-3; No. 4 seed Andy Murray d. Gael Monfils 6-2, 0-6, 6-3; Philipp Kohlschreiber d. Yen Hsun Lu 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-0; Jeremy Chardy d. Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-2, and Tomas Berdych d. Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4.

Matches that are still to come on Thursday will include:

Rafael Nadal vs. Kevin Anderson, and Novak Djokovic vs. Victor Hanescu.

Rogers Cup: David Nalbandian Press Conference

DAVID NALBANDIAN

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You’ve defeated some good players since you’ve come back in July, but Robin is definitely in a different category. How does it feel to beat a top guy like him today?
DAVID NALBANDIAN: I think it’s a good victory for me. I don’t see this match different category of player than others that I beat last week or even David Ferrer this week.
But I feel that I’m playing good. Feel good today. In the beginning I had chances and I couldn’t take it in the first set, and then I play ?? I play very good.
I’m gonna try to keep going. I been a long time out of the circuit, and I’m really enjoying this time now.

Q. What changes for you from the first set to the second, third? It seems like you really locked in, you started to hit your spots a lot better, and, you know, played real aggressive off the return. What changed, do you think?
DAVID NALBANDIAN: I play a little more offensive, and my shots was a little better maybe. But I had a chance in the first set, as well. I was break up, and I couldn’t hold it. And then I have my chances again, and I take it and play more aggressive, a little better, come to the net sometimes in the important moments. And I think that that’s change.

Q. Is there any comparison to the way you’re playing now to when you were playing at your best a couple years ago?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: No, it’s tough to compare, very tough, completely different moments. I feel really good at the moment, but it’s tough to compare to, I don’t know, to 2007 or even before. It’s tough. I’m getting older. (Smiling.)
Q. You just won your 11th straight match and you continue to knock off top seeds. Is there anything you’re doing different in your training maybe in conjunction with your rehab from your surgery that’s contributed to that?
DAVID NALBANDIAN: Not really much. Just motivation. I spend a long time outside the courts, and like I say, I’m enjoying every time I play, try to do my best.
Sometimes it’s enough; sometimes it’s gonna be not. But I just enjoying every time that I go out, to play my best tennis. And if I have to lose, that’s fine, but at the moment, still working.

Q. Sometimes when athletes are out that long and they do come back, they gain a real appreciation for the game, maybe what they missed and they thought might have been fading away from them. Coming back now and being healthy, is this more fun for you being on the tour? Did you maybe take it for granted years ago, or can you explain maybe that a bit?
DAVID NALBANDIAN: More fun than what?

Q. Just the fact that you’re healthy and playing again. Like you said, you’re 28 years old. Maybe a year ago you might have thought your career might have been over with the severity of the injuries and undergoing hip surgery.
DAVID NALBANDIAN: No, not really. I just think like I get a long break, and that’s make me think about that I have like, I don’t know, two, three, four more years to play at a good level.
That stop made me think about that and get more motivation to come, to play, to enjoy it, and work on my last few years on the tour. That’s maybe help me.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports

Rogers Cup: Finding the Fight; Moving Like a Player; Sod-Off

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

It can certainly become a difficult proposition for a player to get geared up for a long and hazy day of Center Court action in Toronto when your name is Roger Federer.

Called upon to highlight the day session, Federer would face the precocious and unorthodox game of Michael Llodra. Losing his opening service game in immediate fashion, Federer would fall behind 4-1 before mounting his comeback. Finding very little rhythm against the edging game of the Frenchman, Federer would own the first set tiebreak after encountering a sub par start.

While observing Federer going through the motions to start the match, I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking.

Was he really worried that he would lose the match? Was he really concerned with Llodra’s level or play—or, was his mindset preoccupied with justifying his salmon pink shirt?

Answering the last question first, Federer would pound a service winner to lead 6-2 in the tiebreaker after a women in the stands calmly remarked: “Roger, you look stunning in pink.”

With his metrosexual connotations in check, Federer would prove (with some convincing) that he still does cares about winning.

After engaging in a long baseline exchange to start set two, Federer was brought to the net by Llodra only to be lobbed on the following shot. Racing back to execute a sky-lob recovery, Federer would fail on his attempt to keep the point going, but his effort and determined facial grimace couldn’t be questioned.

When asked during his post match presser if he still has fun when he practices, Federer had this to say:

“I like this game, you know.”

Well, the refined and soft spoken demeanor of the Swiss is often tough to read, but his ability to progress through the early rounds of events still remains intact.

Referring to the sport as “not having the versatility that it once did,” Federer encountered a “first” in his match against Llodra.

Losing by a landslide in the second set, the flamboyant Frenchman struck an underhand serve at 1-4 down on the deuce side. The look on Federer’s face when he shanked his forehand long off of his opponent’s 87 KPM serve was priceless. He knew it was perhaps the worst miss of his life, but he found immediate solace by breaking Llodra’s serve to lead 5-1.

I guess we’re in a new era for the mighty Federer. An era where underhand serves are tough to return; pink shirts are all the rage; and the joy of competing still remains the most important part of his tennis.

We’ll see how much fun Federer has tomorrow against Tomas Berdych. The man who defeated him at Wimbledon.

Speaking of the much improved Czech, he dodged a major bullet in Alexandr Dolgopolov today. Capturing the first set in comfortable form, Berdych fell victim to the quick-fire serving of his opponent during the second set. Receiving a medical timeout on his right thigh muscle before leveling the match at a set apiece, Berdych appeared in danger of exiting the event prematurely.

I’ve wrote extensively about Dologopolov throughout this week, and there’s certainly a lot to praise about the 21-year-old. Dolgopolov’s serve is almost impossible to read; his variety and placement is further exemplified by not giving his opponent enough reaction time to anticipate its direction. If the youngster can get stronger and deal with the heat of the North American hard-court season, then there’s no reason why he won’t find himself in the top 15 before the end of the year.

By contrast, Berdych has to be given credit for completely turning around his court coverage. Once known as slow and steady, Berdych can now race from sideline to sideline and snap a forehand winner off with regularity.

The Wimbledon finalist has also improved his volleying, and although he won’t serve and volley just yet, his transitioning from the baseline to the forecourt is beginning to take shape.

Staying on serve throughout nine games of the third set, Berdych would finally get his chance at victory by receiving a sloppy game from his opponent. After the stellar serving which Dolgopolov showcased throughout the second-set tiebreak, the unseeded Ukrainian donated a double fault on match point to end his tournament.

There was simply no way Berdych would have won this match two years ago, considering his mental frailty. Props to the big man for getting it done by any means necessary.

***

Robin Soderling simply met the wrong man on the other side of the net today. Facing inform Argentine David Nalbandian, Soderling was cast aside and joined the list of the 11 straight players to feel the wrath of the former top 10 player.

Winning the first set on the strength of his booming serve, Soderling struck eight aces and won nearly 80 percent of his first serve points. Losing his momentum to begin the second set, Soderling would quickly fall behind 3-1. Nalbandian’s counter-punching returns began to clean the base and sidelines, while his own delivery was picking up in speed. Leveling the match at one set all, Nalbandian would open up his shoulders and unleash his two-handed backhand.

Racing through the final set to the tune of three breaks of serve, Nalbandian improved to 5-1 against his Swedish opponent, while reaching his second Masters quarterfinal of the year.

Nalbandian will likely next face defending champ Andy Murray, who is currently rolling through the third set against Gael Monfils.

If thoughtful and crafty baseline tennis is your thing, then make sure you leave sometime aside on Friday for that one.

With Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic still on the docket, day four action at the Rexall Center is far from complete.

Talk soon.

Nima

Alarm Clocks, Double D’s, and a Little Off the Rise

Day two action at the Rogers Cup began, continued, and currently remains the hottest day of the week thus far.

With on-court temperatures soaring towards 42 °C, the ATP boys appeared to lose a little mental clarity. While Tomas Berdych made sure that his early wake up call was in check, David Ferrer couldn’t help but rip his shirt in frustration after losing a sizable lead against David Nalbandian. Alexandr Dolgopolov began to cramp, shake, and lose his momentum, only to find his way to the net and defeat Philipp Petzschner in a third set ‘breaker.

Today was definitely hot; unless you spend your summers in Dubai, but there was no mistaking that the conditions altered the opinions of some players.

Rise And Shine, Tomas

After his ungrateful, and perhaps regretful departure from the Washington event last week, Tomas Berdych was once again called upon to open up Center Court at a major event.

Losing in three tight sets to Xavier Malisse in D.C., Berdych later told the assembled media that he “probably” would not return to the event next year because he shouldn’t have been given an early start time. Well, the Toronto Masters is a slightly bigger event, and the tournament committee certainly didn’t have Tomas’ sleeping habits in mind when making the schedule.

Berdych did have an opportunity to get accustomed to the early Toronto mornings by ringing in the Toronto Stock Exchange on Monday. I wonder if the big man put in a request for the markets to begin an hour later in order for him to catch a little more shut-eye? We may never know.

Nevertheless, Berdych was in ominous form today against Sergiy Stakhovsky, the man who routed Richard Gasquet on Monday.

The Next Agassi?

Making my way to the outer reaches of the facility, I was eager to watch young Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Dolgopolov on a several occasions, but I’ve never seen him whack the ball in person. I caught a glimpse of the youngster warming up for the event with countryman Stakhovsky on Saturday, but his match against Philipp Petzscher today would be the first time I’ve seen him in match play.

Arriving at the contest at 4-all in third set, my previous thoughts of Dolgopolov were confirmed in 3D. His ultra talented array of shots had reminded me of a young Andre Agassi. There’s no question that Dolgopolov moves better than Agassi ever did, but his off-the-rise ability was very reminiscent of the former American player.

Dolgopolov’s low ball toss is extremely difficult to read, and his slice backhand loses gravity a touch faster than it’s supposed to.

Suffering from heat exhaustion, Dolgopolov made the clever tactical choice to approach the net and conserve any energy that he had left. Leading 6-4 in the final set tiebreak, Dolgopolov benefited from a final Petzschner double fault to advance to the second-round. Slicking his hair back while removing his socceresque headband, Dolgopolov was overlooked at the net by a handshake from Petzschner. Apparently (and this came from Dolgopolov’s agent), Petzschner was upset because he was under the impression that his opponent would retire before the match was competed.

Feeling slightly ill before taking the court, Dolgopolov discussed his opponent’s behavior after the match: “It’s his problem. I’m not angry about it. [It] happens.”

Spoken like a true veteran.

If Dolgopolov continues to improve and get fitter, then we could have another “Agassi-type” player on our hands.

For those of you who saw Dolgopolov’s match against Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Masters, you’re well-versed in what the youngster can do. For those you how haven’t seen Dolgopolov in person, or on TV, I can assure you that it will only be a matter of time.

D-Squared

I had my own reservations going into today’s all-David battle on Center Court. Would David Nalbandian recover from winning his first title in over a year, or, would the former world No. 3 player fade with the humidity of Toronto, and look forward to a deep charge in Cincinnati?

On a vastly different note, I was certain that a rested David Ferrer would come out guns blazing.

Well, I would leave the all-David match with a sense of security that I was right with my pre-match thoughts, but I was indeed surprised with the winner of the contest.

With both players sweating before the first ball was struck, Ferrer would strike first by breaking serve to lead 3-1. The diminutive Spaniard would immediately lose his serve in the ensuing game, while also squandering a set point at 4-5, 30-40.

Hitting a delicious backhand up the line winner at 6-5, 30-15, Nalbandian would finish off the first set by placing an out-wide serve in the corner, before lacing an inside out forehand winner.

Nalbandian’s adrenaline would take a back seat in the second set, while Ferrer’s tenacious demeanor would take over. Leading 5-2, Ferrer would produce an on-the-run forehand winner to tie the match at a set a piece.

Continuing his momentum at the beginning of the third set, Ferrer would break Nalbandian to lead 2-0. The success that Nalbandian achieved last week in Washington was beginning to catch up with him, and a sign of the Argentine’s drop in form was illustrated by a country club level volley that he missed into net.

However, in true Nalbandian fashion, his experience would race to the rescue and break Ferrer in the ensuing game. Finding himself on serve, Nalbandian would engage in his court craft to further frustrate his Spanish opponent. Losing three straight games to trail 3-2, Ferrer would essentially check out of the match by ripping his shirt in disgust.

Capturing his sixth straight win on Tour, Nalbandian could become the No. 1 dark-horse story heading into the US Open.

The Argentine will next face Tommy Robredo, with Swede Robin Soderling on the horizon.

I’m off to catch a little bit of the Roger Federer match, while trying to enjoy some dinner in the process.

Talk soon.

Rogers Cup: Day 2 Preview

Rogers Cup—Toronto, Canada

It was quite miraculous to fathom that even with the five hours of midday rain yesterday at the Rogers Cup, that only two matches were postponed until Tuesday.

A major reason that the tournament wasn’t backlogged significantly lay in the fact that only one singles match went the distance. The recipient of that three setter was Nicolas Almagro, who needed three sets and nearly two and a half hours to dismiss Illya Marchenko.

The Canadian trio of Peter Polansky, Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil enthralled the hometown crowd by defeating Jurgen Melzer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in singles and doubles action, respectively.

I had a chance to speak with Dean Coburn, the coach of Polansky, and he couldn’t have been more proud of the player that he’s been coaching for over a decade. Next up for Polansky is Victor Hanescu, who defeated Raonic in singles competition.

Moving onto Tuesday’s blockbuster Center Court lineup.

Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych will see his first action of the week against Sergiy Stakhovsky. Stakhovsky man-handled Richard Gasquet yesterday, and appears to have adapted adequately to the hard-courts in Toronto. Berdych complained about playing too early in Washington last week as the tournament’s top seed, and he’ll have to suck up his 11 a.m. start time and get to work. Berdych hasn’t played well in Canada the past three seasons (losing in the second-round or earlier), but he did reach the quarterfinals in 2006, the year he defeated Nadal in the third-round.

The day’s most anticipated match will feature David Nalbandian vs. David Ferrer. Both men are excellent baseline players, and it will be interesting to observe how Nalbandian rebounds from his victory in Washington last week. Fitness has always been a problem for the Argentine, and he’s historically never played well in back-to-back weeks on Tour. Ferrer on the other hand is perhaps one of the fittest guys on the circuit, and more importantly, he’ll be coming in fresh. I’ll have to go with Ferrer pulling this one out in straight sets, but not before some early adrenaline from Nalbandian.

The day’s third match on Center Court will be highlighted by the ball-bashing skills of Robin Soderling and Ernests Gulbis. I had a chance to catch Gublis pick apart Thomaz Bellucci last night (I had to move quickly between Polansky’s match and the Nadal-Djokovic doubles affair), and I must say that Gulbis was in resounding form.

Moving well, and playing defense when he needed to, Gulbis showcased his full skill set against his Brazilian opponent.

His match against Soderling will be a “cut from the same cloth” encounter. Both players love to inflict pain on the fuzzy yellow objects, and the heat of day should provide for even more zip off of the ground.

Soderling has had a fantastic year to date, but has struggled on hard-courts when comparing his results to grass and clay action. The intimidating Swede does have a tricky draw, and would be best served to get by Gulbis in straight sets. I’m not so sure, though, that Gulbis will comply with those wishes, considering that his flat-hit shots are never easy to deal with.

If Gulbis is ready for a fight; he’s shown us the ability to shine and fold this year when it’s mattered, then I could see this going three sets. I do believe however that Soderling’s experience throughout the season will help him get through this match, irrespective of his coach Magnus Norman not being in his corner due to an Achilles injury.

What would a day at the Rexall Center be without one of the top four seeds in action?

Two-time champ Roger Federer will begin his latest US Open Series quest against Juan Ignacio Chela. Coming in as the No. 3 seed, Federer will find himself in the unfamiliar position of having a lot to prove on court. Losing both his French Open and Wimbledon titles earlier this year, Federer could slip even further in the rankings if he loses early in Toronto, or at the Cincinnati event next week.

I can’t foresee Federer having any trouble against the veteran Argentine later today, but the 16-time Grand Slam champ will likely want to send a message to the locker room that he means business this week by plowing through in two convincing sets.

The day’s final match on Center Court will pit Canadian Frank Dancevic against Stanislas Wawrinka. Dancevic, a Niagara Falls native, will be eager to advance and set up a rematch of his 2007 quarterfinal contest with top seed Nadal. Dancevic is returning from injury this year after suffering from back problems, and he will be in tough against Wawrinka’s one-handed backhand.

I’ll be out and about as usual around the grounds today checking out the following matches:

Marcos Baghdatis vs. Jeremy Chardy, Fernando Gonzalez vs. Gael Monfils, Sam Querrey vs. Michael Russell, and Alexandr Dolgopolov vs. Philipp Petzschner.

Should unquestionably be a busy day during day two action at the Rogers Cup. Stay tuned for a roundup shortly.

Talk soon.

Nima

Movers and Shakers on Tour: Nalby is Back in Business

The previous seven days on the ATP World Tour brought forth an unlikely, but respected winner. Entering the Legg Mason Tennis Classic as the No. 117 ranked player in the world, David Nalbandian blasted through a field of top level talent to capture his 11th career title.

Although Nalbandian’s win was the highlighted memory of the week, the exodus of American players from the event can’t be forgotten.

While Andy Roddick and John Isner were complaining about fatigue and frailty, Sam Querrey took a much needed “loss” in his opening round. Mardy Fish’s winning streak came to an end at 11 matches, but he did manage to walk away from the event with a doubles title.

The story of the week for me, anyway, became the impending absence of a top 10 American player from the rankings. Roddick’s loss in the third-round to Gilles Simon resulted in Monday’s rankings holding no American players in the top 10 for the first time since 1973. The first official year the ATP utilized a 52-week ranking system.

It remains to be seen how the lack of American force at the top of the sport will affect the upcoming US Open Series. My guess is that American fans thrive when their homegrown charges are at the forefront of the rankings, and with the current drop off at the top of the sport, ongoing questions about the health of the game in the States will be fielded.

With only Roddick, Querrey and Michael Russell representing the US during the Toronto event, I think it’s safe to say that the threesome should get ready for the “questions of the day.”

Back to the brightest note of last week and Nalbandian’s quality victory. The Argentine was essentially done and dusted as a prominent Tour player, while exiting the top 100 and nursing a slew of injuries.  However, possessing the smoothest two-hander on the circuit, Nalbandian’s point composition was once again highlighted throughout the Washington event. Picking apart Marin Cilic in the semifinals, Nalbandian exposed Baghdatis’ court movement during the straight set final.

Claiming that he’d like to stay on the Tour for “another three to four years,” Nalbandian’s fitness passed the grueling humidity in D.C.

The game is certainly better off with Nalbandian around, and for that matter when Baghdatis is playing good ball. Both players encompass the charisma and professionalism that sometimes gets thrown away with the new crop of Tour players.

After Baghdatis committed his final unforced error to lose the match, Nalbandian did not gloat or rub his victory in the Cypriot’s face. In fact, the two traded pleasantries at the net, while providing a great deal of admiration for each others efforts.

If Nalbandian can keep up his health throughout the rest of the summer (that’s clearly not a given at this point in his career), then there’s no reason why he can’t become the most dangerous floater heading into the US Open.

The veteran Argentine has had his share of success against the game’s best players throughout the years, and I’d like to think that he’s still capable of causing a monumental upset at some point.

With the Washington event in the books for another season, the hard-courts of the Toronto Masters will be up next.

I’ll be live in Toronto all week for the festivities. Stop by and say hello if you’re around. It should be a great week.

Nima

Nalbandian Wins Legg Mason Tennis Classic

Legg Mason Tennis Classic—Washington, D.C.

Argentine David Nalbandian won his 11th career title, and first since January 2009, by defeating Marcos Baghdatis 6-2, 7-6 (4) in the finals of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic on Sunday.

After cruising through the first set on the strength of two breaks of serve, the pair engaged in an entertaining second set which featured four total breaks.

Becoming the first player outside of the top 100 to capture an ATP World Tour title this year, Nalbandian became the second Argentine in the past three years to take home the title.

Winning 69 percent of his first serve points, Nalbandian saved a set point in the 11th game of the second set by hitting a volley winner. Appearing nervous towards the tail end of the match, Nalbandian squandered two match points before drawing an unforced error by Baghdatis.

Returning to the Tour earlier this year after suffering from hip and abdominal injuries, Nalbandian will once again reenter the top 100 when Monday’s rankings are released.

Capturing his fifth career hard-court title on Sunday, Nalbandian will now head to the Toronto Masters event in Canada where he will face David Ferrer in a tough first-round match.

Baghdatis, who was attempting to win his second title of the year, fell to 4-5 in Tour level finals. The formidable Cypriot will face Jeremy Chardy in Toronto on Tuesday.

Nalbandian’s efforts for the week were rewarded by winning $261,500 in prize money, and 500 ATP World Tour points.

The Argentine also took first place in the US Open Series with his victory.

Legg Mason Tennis Classic Final Preview: Nalbandian vs. Baghdatis

Legg Mason Tennis Classic—Washington, D.C.

Sunday’s final in Washington will feature two of the cleanest ball-strikers on the circuit.

With the draw consisting of three top 10 players before play began, it was unlikely that David Nalbandian and Marcos Baghdaits would reach the final. However, through diligent baseline play, improved fitness, and the desire to recapture the form that once took them to the world’s top 10, both players have displayed a lot of heart in remaining in contention for the ATP World Tour 500 level title.

Sunday’s final will mark the fifth meeting between these two entertaining players. Baghdatis currently leads the pair’s head-to-head series 3-1, but when taking a closer look at their current form, one has to think that Nalbandian holds the slighter edge.

The Argentine has turned the corner in his once laid back fitness regime. Becoming physcially stronger towards the latter stages of his career, Nalbandian displayed his new found fitness by disposing of Gilles Simon and Marin Cilic in consecutive rounds.

Facing an equally strong backhand on Sunday, Nalbandian will have the fortunate bonus of playing an injured player. Although Baghdatis was able to squeak by Xavier Malisse during Saturday’s semifinal, the Cypriot did injury his ankle midway through the second set.

Not known as one of the quickest players on the circuit, Baghdatis’ compromised court speed could hurt him against the tactically efficient point construction of Nalbandian.

With Baghdatis’ fitness up in the air at the moment, Nalbandian will have the extra incentive to test his opponent’s court speed from the very first ball. Baghdatis does hold a bigger serve than Nalbandian, but not big enough that he can roll through games without testing his ankle.

All in all, Sunday’s championship match will feature the two best players of the week. Something tells me, though, that when it’s all said and done, Argentina will be able to celebrate a three-peat in the Nation’s capital.

Pick: Nalbandian

Nalbandian and Baghdatis Advance to Finals in Washington

Legg Mason Tennis Classic—Washington, D.C.

No. 8 seed Marcos Baghdatis and unseeded Argentine David Nalbandian advanced to the finals of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic on Saturday.

During the heat of the day, Nalbandian pulled in a comprehensive performance in routing No. 4 seed Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-2. Needing one hour and 14 minutes to advance, Nalbandian reached his first Tour final of the year.

Winning 68 percent of his first serve points, Nalbandian broke the serve of his tall opponent on five of eight occasions.

Using his trademark backhand wing to keep Cilic off balance, Nalbandian improved to 2-0 against his younger opponent.

“I played great; I’ve been playing well all week,” said Nalbandian. “I returned well today, which gave me more confidence for all my game. I tried to press him a lot.

“When you spend a lot of time outside the court you miss the tennis, miss the adrenaline. I’m trying to enjoy it every time I go out. I think I have another three or four years of playing at this level. I’m working hard to be fit.”

Aiming to win his 11th career title on Sunday, Nalbandian will also be vying to become the third straight Argentine champion of the event. Juan Martin del Potro won the tournament each of the past two seasons, but was unable to defend his title this year due to an ongoing wrist injury.

Nalbandian will next face Baghdatis, who defeated Xavier Malisse 6-2, 7-6 (2).

Injuring his ankle halfway through the second set, Baghdaits managed to hold off his Belgium opponent by using a clever array of drop-shots.

Improving to 31-17 on the season, Baghdatis will now attempt to win his second title of the season on Sunday. The 25-year-old Limassol native has won three of his four career titles on hard-courts.

Striking 11 aces throughout his one hour and 48 minute victory, Baghdatis broke the serve of his opponent on three of six occasions.

Falling to the court after Malisse’s backhand attempt missed on match point, Baghdatis was exhausted but ecstatic to reach the finals in Washington.

“It looked fine at the end and I was moving pretty good. Hopefully I won’t have pain tonight and it will be fine tomorrow,” Baghdatis said of his ankle. “Right now I am going to enjoy my victory. I’m very happy I won and it was a great fight.”

Sunday’s final will be the fifth meeting between the shot-making pair. Baghdatis currently holds a 3-1 head-to-head series lead.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

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