Vamos David - A David Nalbandian Fan Blog

Davis Cup Update - Team Nominations

2012-01-31T10:38:00.002-03:00

Ahead of his debut as Argentina's Davis Cup captain, Martin Jaite hasn't made a secret of his line-up for the first tie. And there really was no need to - after Juan Martin Del Potro's decision to not play, the Argentine team for Bamberg was pretty clear, anyway. So already before the start of the Australian Open, Jaite officially announced his team: David Nalbandian, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank.

Today, Germany's captain Patrick Kühnen followed suit - but his nominations include a surprise. Apart from Florian Mayer, Philipp Kohlschreiber and Philipp Petzschner, Kühnen has also nominated Tommy Haas. It's the first time since 2007 that Haas will be part of Germany's Davis Cup team. Kühnen on his surprise choice:

Tommy is fit and has shown himself to be in great form in Melbourne. His potential is beyond question and apart from that he brings a tremendous amount of experience to the table.

While Kühnen is aware that Argentina is the favourite to win this tie, he intends to make the most of the home advantage and the "enthusiastic crowd" at the Stechert Arena in Bamberg, including the fan club of the local first-league basketball team (which has been supplied with free tickets in return for its support). Still, they'll be up against the equally enthusiastic and very vocal Argentine fans. But Kühnen remains optimistic:

In Davis Cup, we've proven again and again that we can be competitive, playing against the top nations. So why not against Argentina?
(Source.)

Destination Bamberg & A Question

2012-01-28T19:56:00.000-03:00

(burgenstrasse.de)

Update (30/01)
The rankings after the Australian Open are out and
David has moved up one spot to #86.

Today, the tennis world may still revolve around Melbourne and the impending final of the Australian Open. But for David, it will soon revolve around the picturesque little town pictured here - Bamberg.
Probably next Friday, the Argentine team will be on its way to Germany for the first round of the Davis Cup.
For David, it's going to be the first tie under the captain he wanted for this job for years, his former coach
Martin Jaite. Who, despite his experience as player, coach and tournament director is new to this job and also to this kind of scenario, unlike his players:

It's not the players who are making their debut here, it's the captains [Jaite and his vice-captain Zabaleta]. (Source.)

In the same interview Jaite also said that although he's of course aware of the pressure it means to play for Argentina, he still wants the Davis Cup to be fun for the players. Something they really want to do and enjoy doing. Well, I guess he can count on David for that...

On the German side, Florian Mayer has started training again (after his injury problems that forced him to pull out of the Australian Open) and therefore it looks like he's going to play, with Philipp Kohlschreiber, and Philipp Petzschner and Christopher Kas for the doubles completing the German line-up.

From the Davis Cup now over to something completely different. As you've probably seen, Megaupload, the site we used to upload matches for David on Screen has been shut down. And I'm afraid, this also means the end of David on Screen (more about it on the David on Screen page). The question now is whether it should be replaced with something else, a different kind of extra page. I'm currently thinking about this but I'd like to hear your ideas.
So - what do you think? What kind of page would you like to have?

A Brief Update

2012-01-25T13:25:00.000-03:00

(@inestenis)

After the Isner match and the two incidents (and the headlines those made in the press) things have been very quiet on the David-front for a couple of days. And while so far there's no news about the ITF fine and the appeal I can at least tell you that by now, David is back home and that he has taken up practicing on clay at the Ines Gorrochategui Acedemy in Villa Allende. In this case (the photo is apparently from today) with junior player Federico Nani.
Edit: A very brief clip of that training session you can watch here.

In other words, the preparations for the Davis Cup first-round tie against Germany have begun.

The Water-Throwing Incident, The Auspicious Lack of Other News, David's Knee and an Interview

2012-01-21T10:02:00.000-03:00

(EPA)

We all wanted David to make headlines at the Australian Open. But this is not necessarily what we had in mind. After the challenge incident during the match there is now also the "water-throwing incident" that took place afterwards.
And the $8000 fine David got from the ITF, a decision he intends to appeal. But what happened?

After the Isner match and the press conference, David had to undergo a routine doping test. That's as far as the undisputed facts go. Of what followed there are two slightly different versions. One on the Facebook and another one on the Twitter of David's official site (where the news agencies and sites seem to have taken their info from). According to which David's side of it is that either before or at some point during the doping control he was washing his hands when either an "ATP official" (should be ITF) or the "physician in charge" suddenly and inexplicably accused David of having thrown water at or poured water over him. An allegation that he "categorically" and "emphatically" denies, calling the fine "absolutely unfair" and adding that "by imposing this fine the ITF would be committing two acts of injustice, one on court and the other off of it, within one hour". As mentioned above David is ging to appeal the ITF's decision.

Still, with all this drama going on it's easy to overlook what's positive. - The complete lack of any news from the injury/physical problems department, in spite of the long and gruelling match against Isner. According to Fue Buena, for the first time after three years and despite the problems with his knee (which I'll get to in a second), David was able to do a proper pre-season training. Allowing him to begin this new season much better prepared physically than in previous years. And the first signs of it could be seen during the Isner match.

As for David's knee troubles, those have by now been identified as the Osgood-Schlatter syndrome (also according to Fue Buena). An irritation of the patellar tendon that typically afflicts male teenagers but can continue into adulthood. And if you look at the example photo on the Wikipedia entry for it, then that's exactly what David's knee looks like. The good news: It's nothing serious, the condition is manageable.

(Topper)

Last but not least, here's the interview (published at the beginning of this week by La Nacion) I didn't have the opportunity to post yet. It starts with David's answer to the question how and where he spent the holidays:

I was at home during the holidays, I was in Córdoba. We travel too much during the year for me to go somewhere during the off-season. Quiet, at home, I didn't go anywhere. I have everything I need there. I enjoy getting to spend time with my girlfriend, with my friends. I stay at home.

In this particular case, New Year's Day also meant celebrating his 30th birthday. In tennis terms, he's officially an "old man" now...

David: Turning 30 is fine, just another year, nothing special, nothing unusual. I'm looking forward to facing this season. I know these are the last years I have left [on the Tour]. I'll try to make the most out of them and enjoy it.

Q: Is it difficult to enjoy yourself while you're still on the Tour?

David: This kind of career goes by very quickly. It's a maelstrom without any pauses, day after a day you live it to the max. Is this the eleventh year I'm on the Tour? [It's the twelfth.] And then, when you look back at it you see that many years went by and many things happened. Great moments to remember and enjoy.

Q: And you don't really get to realise that?

David: Most of the time, everything happens fast. You don't have time to enjoy it, to stop and think. During those last couple of years you have to be more relaxed. So I want to enjoy myself.

Q: Do you think about getting married and having children?

David: I don't think about that. I'm relaxed, we're doing fine and I still think that the life of a tennis player is very tough. You're never at home, it's complicated. But I still think like a tennis player. The idea of starting a family is there in my head, to finally slow down, calm down a little after this life that is madness. But it's the game we play.

Q: And when you'll leave, are you going to miss this world?

David: It depends, doesn't it. Maybe I'll find things in life to replace them with. Those are different stages. I'm still going to make the most of those last years as a tennis player and then I'll see about the next couple of years. Enjoying other things.

Q: Two more years?

David: I don't know, depends. The most important thing is to have continuity, without injuries. If I don't get injured and I feel good then I'm going to play for as long as possible, without setting a limit, a date.

Q: If the season ended today, what would you want to have achieved the most?

David: To finish it healthy because the rest will take care of itself. With continuity the rest will take care of itself.

Right now, it looks like there's a chance of more continuity this season.
And that's the good news from the Australian Open.

The Challenge Incident

2012-01-19T08:04:00.002-03:00

It was a great match, despite the "wrong" ending. But in the end, it won't be remembered for its many great rallies or for how well David played for the most part of it. It'll be remembered for that one incident, that moment at 8-8 in the fifth set when a serve from John Isner was correctly called out (as proved later on video), chair umpire Kader Nouni overruled the call and then refused David a chance to challenge his incorrect overrule on the grounds that the challenge had come too late.

Q. What do you make of the umpire's decision in that 8All point?

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I asked for HawkEye and he make an overrule. Because the lineman call out. He overrule it. Was a lot of noises, so I asked what happened, because the lineman called out. He told me he overruled it. And I say, Okay, I see the mark. I say challenge. Not a big deal. He don't want to do it.

That decision stood and could also not be overturned by supervisor Andreas Egli, although David said that he didn't hear the overrule because of the general level of noise from the crowd.

Q. And a lot of crowd noise, as well.

DAVID NALBANDIAN: I mean, what the umpires need, press? Name? Be on the picture tomorrow? Incredible.
Anyway, I didn't lose for that, but that's was very bad situation. Was amazing.

The complete transcript of David's post-match press conference you can read here.

And Krystle's report of the match you'll find here.

By now, I've uploaded the many photos from the match. You'll find them on the Photo Page.

Australian Open R2 - David loses to Isner

2012-01-17T18:37:00.000-03:00

(Mark Radswell/Getty Images)

UpdateII
He was the better player in this match and he won more points in total. But in the end, it was Isner's serve that made the difference. After four hours and 41 minutes (and 43 aces, most of which came in the last two sets), John Isner prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5), 10-8.

So again, the Australian Open end for David in the second round. What can be taken from this match is that he played some great tennis. And that he was (hopefully) able to finish the match without physical problems.
Next up for David is now the Davis Cup first-round tie against Germany (February 10-12).

That's it from me for the moment. Photos as soon as I've set up my new computer...

(Getty Images; montage by VD)

Update
3.23pm local - David's match is now next up on Margaret Court Arena.

David likes to play late. And David also likes to play against opponents who give him a certain rhythm. On Monday, with his first-round match against Nieminen, he got both. This time, he'll get to play on the same court again but in the afternoon, in the heat. And rhythm surely isn't what he's going to get from his opponent, 16th seed John Isner.

It's the third time they meet and David won both of their previous encounters - though in very different ways. At Cincy 2010, he had a lot of problems with Isner's serve but then profited from the American's early retirement. At Auckland last year, however, David was able to handle the serve and could outplay him during the rallies.
Isner has played two matches this year. One at Sydey last week, where he lost to Bobby Reynolds in the second round (after a bye in the first). And the other one in the first round at Melbourne Park where he beat Australian wildcard Benjamin Mitchell (#222) in straights.

In this match, a lot is going to depend on the serve. On how well David will be able to return and force Isner into longer rallies, but also on David's ability to hold his own serve. Especially in the important moments. He will try to entangle Isner in as many rallies as possible, he'll try to move him around. And during the rallies he'll always have a good chance. Still, a lot will depend on the serve...

Note: Due to computer problems there will be no recording and no report of this match. Also because Krystle, who would otherwise cover for me, is in Melbourne at the moment. She'll watch and probably report this match, so I recommend taking a look at her blog.

AO R1: Half a Good Start

2012-01-16T12:29:00.000-03:00

(Highlights by Noubar, thanks.)

The contrast could've hardly been any bigger: Last year, David's first-round match against Lleyton Hewitt took almost five hours. This time, it took little more than just one. David was leading 6-4 and 4-2 in the second set when Jarkko Nieminen had to retire with an abdominal strain. So after a total of only 16 games played, David advanced to the second round where he'll face 16th seed John Isner on Wednesday. It's going to be their third meeting with David having won the previous two.

Often enough, or rather - far too often, going into a match there's a question mark concerning David's fitness. In this case, however, the question was how fit Nieminen would be after having played a lot of tennis last week (from qualies to winning the title at Sydney only yesterday plus also reaching the doubles final). At the beginning of the match he seemed to be handling the situation well and it looked like this would be an interesting match. And it was - but only for one set.

(Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images)

As mentioned before, matches between these two usually involve many long and hard-fought rallies,
with Nieminen's defense forcing David to set up and execute his attacks well - otherwise they might get countered or he might end up getting passed at the net. This happened a couple of times during the first set, with David looking a bit rusty initially and lacking match practice in what was his first match of the season. But he soon found his rhythm and was able to play aggressively and with more depth and great angles, and without making too many unforced errors. At 3-3 David had his first break point and managed to convert it promptly before eventually serving out the first set to love.

At the start of the second set David broke serve
again and now looked to be in control of proceedings. But it turned out to be only the first in a series of altogether five breaks in a row. And while Nieminen was now visibly struggling on serve, due to his injury (he called the trainer after the third game), David also managed to lose his serve twice, after not facing a single break point in the first set. Up 3-2, after saving another break point and with a bit of luck, David finally held serve again. Before at break point for David in the following game, Jarkko Nieminen walked up to the net to shake hands and retire from the match.

All in all a good start, despite those two bad service games in the second set. David seemed to be moving well (I've learned to be careful with writing things like that...) and he played a pretty clean match, with 18 winners, 19 unforced errors and no double faults. What's also important is of course that he didn't have to spend too much energy during those one and a half sets. Still, on Wednesday losing his serve like that will be much more costly...
P.S. Krystle was there at the match. Her report you'll find here.
Edit: And what I almost forgot - the post-Auckland rankings came out today. David has dropped down 23 positions and is now ranked #87.

(John Donegan/AP Photo)

Australian Open R1 - David vs Jarkko Nieminen

2012-01-16T03:02:00.001-03:00

(Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images)

UpdateII
It's the result we were hoping for but this is certainly not the way it should've happened: At 6-4, 4-2 for David, Jarkko Nieminen was forced to retire with an abdominal strain after visibly struggling on serve and having called the trainer early on in the second set. A very unfortunate ending for what was a nice match in the first set.
In the second round on Wednesday David will now face 16th seed John Isner.

Edit: Recording and photos available now.
More soon...

(Getty Images; montage by VD)

Update
7.47pm local - David's match is up next on Margaret Court Arena.
6.40pm local - One more (WTA) match to go.
It's all taking a little longer at Margaret Court Arena today so the match will be delayed.

Today the 2012 season finally starts for David. But while for him this is going to be the first official match of the year, for his opponent Jarkko Nieminen it's already number eight - and that's only counting his singles matches. Having begun the season at Brisbane, Nieminen comes to Melbourne, fresh from having won the title at Sydney yesterday. But how fresh, really - that's going to be the question.

Apropos Sydney final - that was where David and Nieminen last met, back in 2009. The latest chapter so far in the long history that these two have together, having known each other since junior days. Out of their altogether eleven matches on the Tour, David won seven (and four out of the last five), including both of the two finals they were in together, Sydney 2009 and Estoril 2002, David's first ATP title.

But even though in recent years, David has done quite well against Nieminen, matches between these two tend to be tight affairs, with lots of long and hard-fought rallies. Watching this clip by Krystle (of the dramatic second-set tiebreak at Sydney 2009) will give you a good idea of what those rallies look like. And though Nieminen may not have a huge weapon and David usually deals with his lefty serve pretty well, the Finn's defense and smart way of placing of the ball, as well as his fighting spirit can mean trouble for David. Apart from that, Nieminen will be confident after having just won a title. But perhaps also a little tired.

Schedule of Play Update

2012-01-14T07:30:00.000-03:00

(Reuters)

The schedule of play for Monday is out, with David as part of the line-up for the first day of the Australian Open. But although I was expecting his match against Jarkko Nieminen to take place on one of the show courts, I wasn't necessarily expecting this: David gets to play his first match at Margaret Court Arena (pictured above), the third biggest court at Melbourne Park. In the night session, at 7pm local (8am GMT/3am EST/5am Argentina).
So a show court with coverage for us, a late start (as in playing in the evening) for David, which he will like, and an early start (as in playing on the first day) for Nieminen after Sydney. A nice schedule, indeed.

Australian Open Draw

2012-01-12T17:50:00.000-03:00

(John Donegan/AP Photo)

UpdateII
It was a very nice match and a good test run for the Australian Open, even if in the end it was Andy Murray, who prevailed 6-3, 7-6(8).
Edit: Recording now available via David on Screen. Photos on the Photo Page.

Update
Good news: David's exhibition match against Andy Murray will be streamed, after all.
Due to a rain delay the match will start later than expected.

David has been drawn into the bottom half and there into the lower, i.e. Nadal's quarter. As usual, one is tempted to say... Anyway, that quarter looks like this:

[7] Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs Albert Ramos (ESP)
Olivier Rochus (BEL) vs [Q] Björn Phau (GER)
Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) vs [Q] Iliya Marchenko (UKR)
[Q] Frederik Nielsen (DEN) vs [30] Kevin Anderson (RSA)
[21] Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) vs Benoit Paire (FRA)
Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) vs Benjamin Becker (GER)
Jeremy Chardy (FRA) vs Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)
Lukas Kubot (POL) vs [10] Nicolas Almagro (ESP)

[16] John Isner (USA) vs [WC] Benjamin Mitchell (AUS)
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) vs David Nalbandian (ARG)
Flavio Cipolla (ITA) vs Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Leonardo Mayer (ARG) vs [18] Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
[28] Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) vs [Q] Lukas Lacko (SVK)
[Q] Peter Gojowczyk (GER) vs Donald Young (USA)
Tommy Haas (GER) vs [Q] Denis Kudla (USA)
[Q] Alex Kuznetsov (USA) vs [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Complete draw here.

In the first round, in his first official match this year, David will be up against someone he has known for a long time - Finnish lefty Jarkko Nieminen. This match is going to be their altogether twelfth encounter since 2002, with the overall match record at 7-4 in David's favour. And it's the second time that they're going to meet at the Australian Open. The first one took place in 2006 and back then David beat Nieminen in the third round. As his preparation for the Australian Open, Nieminen chose to play both Brisbane (where he lost in the second round to Stepanek) and Sydney this week, where he has by now reached the final. A good showing from Nieminen but perhaps one that will leave him a bit tired.
If David makes it past Nieminen in the second round he's bound to meet 16th seed John Isner. David's record against Isner is spotless, they've played twice and both times he won. With a bit of luck at Cincy 2010 (where Isner had to retire in the first set) but then rather convincingly at Auckland, last year.
In a hypothetical third round, and going by the seeding, David could then face 18th seed Feliciano Lopez. Who David has also met twice before and defeated both times, only that those two matches took place at Montréal 2003 and Basel 2006. In other words - a long time ago.
In any case, it's not until the fourth round that David can meet one of the top players - his training partner Rafael Nadal.

Interlude: Training with Rafa

2012-01-12T08:12:00.000-03:00

(Reuters)

(Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Ahead of his exhibition match against Andy Murray at Kooyong tomorrow, David put in a training session of a different kind today, practising with Rafael Nadal at what seems to have been Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park.
Perhaps you'll remember how the two of them caused some bewilderment among the press by training together ahead of the US Open last year, even though they were bound to meet in the third round - and did, eventually. But as David once described it, they've "become well acquainted" and I guess it's safe to say that they know each other and each other's game well enough.
Apart from that, the photos from this training session (more on the Photo Page) offer the first visual proof that David has indeed switched his clothes sponsor and is now wearing Topper. ->

Coming up tonight/tomorrow morning (Melbourne time): the Australian Open draw.

Update
The starting time for David's match against Andy Murray has changed.
It's now scheduled as the second match of the day (after Fish vs Melzer), due to begin at around 12.30pm Friday local time (1.30am GMT; Thursday 8.30pm EST/10.30pm Argentina)

UpdateII
On a different note - Martin Jaite and Mariano Zabaleta just confirmed the team for the Davis Cup tie against Germany: David, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank (source).

What's Ahead

2012-01-09T12:08:00.000-03:00

A little later than planned, here's my preview. About what's ahead for David (and for us):

(Getty Images)

Australian Open draw
The draw ceremony for the first Slam of the season will take place on Friday, at 10am local time (that's Thursday, 11pm GMT/6pm EST/8pm Argentina). Usually, it's possible to listen to the ceremony live on AO Radio, via the tournament website.
And in Melbourne they're normally pretty quick when it comes to posting the draw online.
For David, the draw (and hopefully a bit of luck with it) will be crucial. As he won't be seeded, anything is possible for him, from the first round on. From a match against a qualifier or wildcard to facing Novak Djokovic or any other of the top players. Here's hoping that David will get lucky with the draw, this time.

Kooyong
Also on Friday, David will play his exhibition match against Andy Murray at Kooyong, scheduled to begin at 4.30pm local (5.30am GMT/12.30am EST/2.30am Argentina).
While going to Kooyong for one specific match is new for David, taking part in the event used to be his standard way of beginning the season. From 2004 to 2007 David played the event every year (2008 he was forced to withdraw at the last minute). Making this his altogether fifth appearance at Kooyong Stadium in Melbourne, formerly the venue of the Australian Open (until 1988). For the main event, there's usually a stream. However, extra matches, like David's against Murray, were not streamed in the past. Whether that's going to be different this time - we'll find out.

Ranking
For the moment, i.e. this week, David's ranking remains to be #64. Next Monday however, David will drop his points for making the final at Auckland last year and that will see him lose some ground in the rankings. The good news in this context being that he won't have a lot of points to defend at the Australian Open and also not in the weeks to come. Still, trying to get up his ranking again will be an important goal during the coming weeks and months. And it's probably one of the reasons behind David's fairly ambitious schedule.

A new kind of schedule & tournament
Directly after the Davis Cup first-round tie against Germany it'll be time for a premiere - something new and unprecendented, in a variety of ways. For the first time in his career, David is planning to play an ATP tournament directly after Davis Cup. An event he has never played before and which has been moved to a new location this year - Sao Paolo (formerly known as Costa do Sauipe). But what really makes the Brasil Open 2012 unusual are the conditions in which the tournament will be played. On clay - but indoors. In Davis Cup, this kind of scenario is not unheard of (see Bamberg). But playing an ATP event indoors on clay
- that's going to be a first for David.

The (Davis Cup Drama) Season Begins...

2012-01-07T11:55:00.000-03:00

Initially, my plan was to write a brief preview today, about the first weeks and months of David's season. But then something got in the way and made me change my plans - the first round of Davis Cup drama in this still very young year...

Yesterday, the news came that Juan Martin Del Potro won't be part of the line-up for Argentina's first-round tie against Germany in Bamberg (February 10-12). A decision that, according to his coach Franco Davin, was made because of Delpo's packed schedule, the surface change (from hardcourt to clay and then back again) and not wanting to take any risks, concerning his physical fitness (source).

As such, this is not an unusual step for Delpo to take. After all, he has played in the first round only once and that was back in 2007. Still, many believe that the implications are different this time, because of the new situation on the team - with a captain who used to be David's coach. At his official introduction, Argentina's new captain Martin Jaite tried to dispel speculations about him, being biased by calling Delpo the "trump card" of the team. An offer of peace but by stressing his importance for the team, Jaite also stressed the necessity for Delpo to play. And that call was echoed by David, who told the media that Argentina should travel to Germany with the best team it can muster.

Now we know that this won't be the case. But whereas previous withdrawals were met with some criticism, this one has caused quite a stir in Argentina, with heated debates on the social networks and hundreds of comments on the news sites. Still, probably the most unusual part of it all took place on the Facebook page of David's official site, where last night the following message appeared:

The major objective for 2012 remains to be the same: winning the Davis Cup for Argentina. Whether at home or away, with or without injuries. Prioritising the Davis Cup over the Tour. Giving your life for the Argentine colours, as always.

Ten minutes later, it was replaced by a shortened, less controversial (because of its timing) version, with only the first sentence of the original remaining. By now, also the shortened version has disappeared. David's spokesman Bernardo Ballero explains:

After I saw it I talked to David and he denied having made that statement. He respects Del Potro's decision and doesn't have anything to say about it. That message was posted by the people who run his Facebook account but it's clear that it shows a lack of judgement because it doesn't reflect the thoughts of Nalbandian. (Source.)

Whether that's really all there is to it, well, some commentators are not entirely convinced. But as you'll know I always try to make it clear that David doesn't post what's on his official site and its extensions, himself. He never does. Those sites are run by others, for him. And apparently, those people decided to post what has been described as a "devastating attack" on Delpo. (Speaking of which, I'm not going to have any of those here on VD.)

In any case, this means that unless something unforeseen happens, the Argentine line-up for Bamberg will consist of David, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank. And while there's now a bit of panic among the Argentine press and some writers already see the World Group play-offs beckoning, Germany's captain Patrick Kühnen remains wary:

If Del Potro isn't going to be there then it means that Argentina will be weakened. But they still have an enormously strong team with Top30 players Juan Monaco and Juan Ignacio Chela as well as the experienced David Nalbandian. (Source.)

Right now, the experienced David Nalbandian is in Buenos Aires for the final stages of his preparations. A brief clip of him, practicing you can watch here. And on Monday, he'll be on his way to Australia (source).

David: Two Years Left of Playing at a Good Level

2012-01-04T14:01:00.000-03:00

Update
Last year, I said I was hoping that David might play the Kooyong exhibition as preparation for the Australian Open. And now he will play there, even if it's only for one match. On Friday, January 13, David will play an exhibition match against Andy Murray, as confirmed on the event's Twitter.

(Olé)

While for most players the 2012 season has already begun at one of the preparatory events for the Australian Open, David is still at home - but in the middle of his preparations for the new season. Training at home in Unquillo as well as at the Ines Gorrochategui Academy in Villa Allende. A preseason the final stage of which, i.e. playing tennis, had to be delayed, due to the tendinitis in his right knee (which first appeared during the Copa Argentina in mid-December).
But despite this delay, which makes the late start this year seem like a good idea, and although his knee apparently still "bothers him a little" David seems optimistic about the new season that's ahead of him. And also about the one after that.
Here's the interview, by Sergio Stuart for Olé.

Q: You're busy?

David: Yes, busy with my preseason, trying to make sure things will go well, this year.

Q: At which stage are you now? Physical training, tennis?

David: Noooo, I'm doing everything. These are the toughest weeks of the preseason. Where you do a little bit of everything. I've already established a good physical basis and now I'm adding tennis to the mix, which I had to start with later than planned because of the tendinitis in the knee.

Q: You got injured during the Copa Argentina in December. How are you doing now?

David: I'm fine, though my knee still bothers me a little but at least it allows me to do a relatively normal training.

Q: How do you see 2011 in terms of your tennis? You had to pause twice, because of an adductor tear in March and then because of your hamstring in October...

David: It was pretty inconsistent, with another surgery [hernia/adductor in March] that didn't allow me to play a complete schedule. I haven't done an analysis of it but I've had two difficult years with my hip and then another one last year because of the adductor and the hernia. I hope that in 2012 I can have the consistency I wasn't able to get during the last two years.

Q: As you say, after undergoing hip surgery in 2009 you weren't able to play normal seasons. In 2010 you played 39 matches and in 2011 no more than 34 when it's normal to contest more than 60. Does it look like this year might be a good one for you?

David: I hope so. That's the idea but you never know. You try to work so that things will go well and then... sometimes they don't. But yes, the idea is to try and have a good year, one with more consistency at least. That's the most important and difficult thing on the Tour.

Q: You won your last title at Washington, in August 2010. Do you miss the feeling of winning titles?

David: Yes, it's a great feeling. And as I've said before, you work for being able to experience those moments, to achieve those things. I want to be among the best again, I want to be competitive at tournaments. With consistency, it's all going to come together by itself. I'll say it again, I'm working so that things will go well and I can achieve those goals, to win tournaments and compete at the top.

Q: You're making jokes about being old, the way you also did in Sevilla during the Davis Cup. You turned pro back in 2000 and now you're 30 years old. How many seasons do you think you have left?

David: And... two years left of playing at a good level, of playing well. More than that seems difficult to me.

Q: You've won the Masters Cup but you're lacking a Slam and the Davis Cup title. Are those the objectives for those two years?

David: The Davis Cup has always been my goal and we still haven't managed to win it.

Q: And a Slam?

David: A Slam gets more difficult each time. Physically, it gets harder for me every year and the physical strain and the level are extremely high.

Q: Does it get more difficult on the Tour now with Djokovic and Nadal competing for the #1?

David: Yes, it gets more difficult each time, it gets tougher. But not only because of them. There are many other new players, young players, other generations coming up.

Does that mean David will play two more seasons? Well, I think that will also depend on how many matches he'll get to play this year, how much consistency there will be in the end.
But it's good to hear that another season is possible.
Still, at now 30 years of age, there's a certain genre of questions that David will be confronted with a lot from now on - about his career in general and the way he sees it. Here's his answer at this point in time:

It's difficult to draw a balance at this point because while you're still active you don't have enough time to analyse what you've done in your career. But I've spent many years on the Tour and I had more good years than not so good years. So that's why I think I've had a pretty decent career at least.

Happy Birthday David & Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.002-03:00

Those of you who've been around for a while know how it works - every year on January 1st Vamos David gets a new look. And this is it, Vamos David 2012. Hope you'll like it. :)

So - feliz cumpleaños, David. Welcome to 'Club 30'. And whether this is going to be the last season or not, here's hoping that it'll be a good one. With less injuries and more matches.

For David, the new season will begin at the Australian Open in two weeks' time (his full schedule for the first three months you can view on the Schedule Page). And as far as I've heard, his knee is okay. What I've also heard is that it looks like David will switch his clothes sponsor - from Yonex to Argentine company Topper (though he'll continue to use Yonex racquets). So it'll be a new year and a new look.

And another season with the King of Drama...

(José Gabriel Hernández/La Voz)

The Last Post of the Year

2011-12-23T18:28:00.000-03:00

With David at home now, taking a break and nursing his inflamed knee before continuing his preparations for the new season - there's nothing more to report for me at the moment.

Therefore, allow me a few words on behalf of myself and Vamos David.
It's been a difficult year, not only for David. And I've had a lot less time for the blog than before. Not always enough time to do things the way I would've wanted to. And I already know that it's going to get worse, next year. Still, I'll try to keep Vamos David running as best as I can.
I can't promise it'll work - but I'll try...

Vamos David takes a break now.
Happy holidays not only from David but also from me & see you in 2012!

A Look Back at David's 2011 Season

2011-12-21T19:52:00.001-03:00

It was a very erratic season, riddled with physical problems. With those injuries, it's very difficult to achieve some sort of continuity.

An accurate description. Only that David said those words at the end of last year. But while he knew that his comeback season 2010 would be a difficult one, he also knew what would need to change...

I need more continuity in 2011. And for that it'll be essential that I won't be chased by injuries. (Source.)

Twelve months later, it is safe to say that things haven't changed and least of all for the better. David finishes the season, ranked #64 (the exact same ranking he had at the end of 2009, by the way). He didn't win a title for the first time since 2005, with the final at Auckland as his best ATP result of the year. And after only 38 matches in 2010, he played even a little less this year, 34 matches with an overall record of 22-12.
In short, 2011 wasn't the season David and we as his fans were hoping for. Still, here's my (not necessarily comprehensive) look back at this erratic, difficult and injury-riddled year...

(EFE)

The Battle Epic
There are promising match-ups, difficult and special ones. And then there's David vs Lleyton Hewitt. Which is all of the above and more, because whenever these two meet - it's personal. This time, their paths crossed in the first round at the Australian Open. Rod Laver Arena, night session. The perfect setting for what turned out to be a truly epic battle that lasted almost five hours. In the end, David prevailed 9-7 in the fifth set. It was the match of the season and a huge victory over his "friend" since junior days...
But it was also a victory that came at a price - having to retire due to exhaustion in the next round.

(Getty Images)

David on green
After three years, David could finally be seen "on green" again this season, which is to say - playing on grass. First of all at the Queen's Club, where he teamed up with Andy Roddick in doubles - probably his most unusual match, this year. After having lost to Fernando Verdasco in the third round, David then paid a visit to Stoke Park to play his beloved Boodles Challenge exhibition before making his first appearance at Wimbledon since his first-round exit in 2008. After two fairly straightforward wins on outside courts, in the third round David got his match on Centre Court - against Roger Federer. It was the best David played on grass this year by some margin. And though it wasn't enough to trouble Federer, it was nice to finally see David at Wimbledon again.

(Getty Images)

The (very different) US hardcourt swing
Last year, David went to Washington just to get some match practice and ended up with the title and the longest winning streak of his career. This year, David went to Washington as the defending champion, with a lot of points to defend - and it ended in a disaster. Having had a bye in the first round, David lost in the second to James Blake and with it his Top30 ranking. Then followed defeats against Stanislas Wawrinka (R1 Montréal; David's worst match of the season) and Andy Murray (R2 Cincy; the one with the catastrophic serve performance). But though his form wasn't great David showed his fighting spirit at the US Open, with his victories over Bobby Reynolds and then Ivan Ljubicic. Before in the third round, it was time for the big stage again - and Rafael Nadal. Having outplayed Nadal for most of the first set, David still lost in straights, unable to keep up, physically. Nadal did keep it up - but then afterwards famously collapsed during the press conference.

(EFE)

La Copa Davis
It was a good and unusually harmonious Davis Cup year for Argentina, despite the lost final. And while David didn't get to play as many matches as he would've wanted, those that he played he won. The most dramatic was of course the first one, against Adrian Ungur in the first round against Romania at the Parque Roca. The match that saw David bursting into tears during the last set... After missing the quarterfinal tie (and after his road trip to at least get to Buenos Aires to support the team), he returned in the semifinal against Serbia in Belgrade. David played a fantastic match against Viktor Troicki and got the Argentine team on the way to its eventual victory. Finally, together with Eduardo Schwank, David played and won the doubles in Sevilla, the only point that Argentina managed to win in the Davis Cup final against Spain. Still, the most important tie this year probably was the semifinal. Ever since Belgrade, things seem to have been a lot more peaceful on the Argentine team than they used to be. Especially between David and Delpo.

(AP Photo)

The body as the toughest opponent
Last year, it was a series of muscular injuries that forced David to pause, time and time again. This year, David's physical problems were, sadly enough, of an equally disruptive nature but at the same time also more diverse. It began with the hernia/adductor double surgery he underwent in March, followed by the viral infection he contracted afterwards and the effects of which kept him from playing the European clay-court events. After another adductor tear, suffered at Wimbledon, David was able to play the US hardcourt swing, the tournaments in Asia and the Davis Cup semifinal without further problems. But just when he really seemed to be picking up his form again, with the great match he played against Ivan Dodig at Stockholm, a hamstring tear suffered during that match put an end to his indoor season. With the tendinitis issues that forced him to pull out of the Copa Argentina as the latest chapter in David's ongoing injury saga.
I think what has become obvious this season is that David's physical fragility and tendency to get injured is not just a phase that will end at some point. And it's no longer more or less exclusively on clay that those injuries occur. The cycle of injuries, pauses and comebacks goes on. And by now, it would take nothing short of a miracle to break it. Because David's body obviously no longer holds up to playing professional tennis. For now, he's still trying. And I commend him for it. But I also think that the writing is on the wall. And that the expectations have to be adjusted to what's at all possible for him, at this stage.

(Getty Images)

A look ahead at 2012...
Apparently, or as far as I know at this point, David will begin the new season (his last one, according to Fue Buena) at the Australian Open. And I guess I may have caused a bit of confusion by saying that he'll then play the Davis Cup first-round tie, because in the past, there used be all of the Golden Swing between the two. But that's going to be different next year, as the first round of the Davis Cup has been moved forward, to the second week after the Australian Open (February 10-12). So David will play the Golden Swing after the Davis Cup tie against Germany. Starting with the new tournament in Sao Paolo (formerly Costa do Sauipe; February 13-19) and then, of course, the Copa Claro, his home tournament in Buenos Aires (February 20-26). I think I've also heard him say that he'll play Acapulco but that's not official yet.
So that's what the first part of David's schedule for 2012 looks like. What will make this season different from David's previous ones is that he will no longer be a commitment player. Which means no more direct access into 500 events but also the ability to count in six instead of only two 250 events for his ranking. Therefore we might get to see a slightly different schedule than usual. Also because of another factor, his ranking. Not defending his Auckland points from last year will see David drop down to around #89. The kind of region where getting into main draws is no longer a certainty...
What's certain - David will have two main goals next year. The Davis Cup and the Olympic Games in London. About the rest - we'll see.

Injury Update & A New Captain for Argentina

2011-12-17T14:11:00.000-03:00

At the press conference on Thursday, following his victory over Ferrero, one of the first questions David got asked was about his knee and the nature of his problems with it. His reply was that he just began with his preparations for the next season and that, unfortunately, his right knee was causing him some trouble, due to "an inflammation, tendinitis". At that point he still thought he'd probably be able to continue playing the Copa Argentina. Yesterday, however, it became clear that this wouldn't be the case. In the words of the press release, issued by the organisers:

David Nalbandian has informed the organisers of the Copa Peugeot Argentina de Tenis that he won't be able to continue participating in the event. After several consultations with his doctors, before and after his first match, and following the advice from his team he has decided to withdraw, due to tendinitis and an accumulation of fluid in his right knee.

Apparently, it's not quite as bad as it sounds. David will now rest for a week and then continue his preparations as planned. For the new season that, according to La Nacion, he'll begin by playing the Australian Open and then the Davis Cup first-round tie against Germany (source).
- Still, an unfortunate and yet sadly appropriate ending for another difficult, injury-riddled season. I'll take a closer look at it (and also at the prospects for next year) in my year-end review post.

But yesterday was also a day of good news for David as the AAT officially announced that after three years with Tito Vázquez Argentina has a new Davis Cup captain - David's former coach Martin Jaite. The latest chapter in a story that began three years ago at Mar del Plata. Back then, Alberto "Luli" Mancini was Argentina's captain but it was no secret that David played a more than dominant role on the team. After Mar del Plata, Mancini resigned and David campaigned for Martin Jaite to become his successor. But the AAT didn't want another captain with very close ties to the players, nor did they want David to keep his prominent position on the team. So they appointed their own man, Tito Vázquez.

(La Razon)

A decision that didn't go down so well with David, to say the least. And the beginning of a very difficult work relationship that included a series of disputes and media commotions. The final instalment of which came earlier this week when Vázquez appeared on Argentine TV to talk about his time as captain - and about David. Especially his statement "I don't see him as a positive leader" made headlines, also beyond the Argentine media. A line that sums up Vázquez' criticism of David and his dominant approach to being part of the team.
David's response: "He's entitled to his opinion just like everybody else. I think that I did things the best way I could." (Source.)

(El Día)

But now, the Argentine team has a new captain. Martin Jaite, former Top10 player, tournament director of the Copa Claro and David's ex-coach. Jaite has never made a secret of his ambitions to become Davis Cup captain and after his appointment he called it a dream that has come true for him (and perhaps not only for him). Though he also recognised Vázquez' achievements.
After three stormy years, this is hopefully the start of a new era.
With captain Martin Jaite and his vice-captain Mariano Zabaleta.

David pulls out of Copa Argentina

2011-12-16T17:21:00.003-03:00

(Olé)

Last night, he was still making jokes about it. Now comes the bad news: Together with his team, David has made the decision to pull out of the Copa Argentina, because of tendinitis problems in his right knee (which he had taped, yesterday).
He'll be replaced by Thomaz Bellucci.

So - that was it, David's season 2011.

More about his injury and the withdrawal tomorrow (if possible). And also about Argentina's new and now officially appointed Davis Cup captain - Martin Jaite.

Copa Argentina: David vs Juan Carlos Ferrero

2011-12-15T16:31:00.000-03:00

(Copa Argentina/FB)

UpdateIII
David has won his first match at this year's Copa Argentina, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-1, 7-5. It was a very nice and entertaining match and for all of those of you who couldn't watch it live - Andvari has recorded the match and it'll soon be available via David on Screen.
After the match, David (who played with his right knee taped) said that he's in the middle of his preparations for the coming season and therefore feeling rather tired. But playing at home is always great for him of course and he also didn't rule out playing the event again next year. About his knee, he said it that it was okay during the match but thate he'll see what it's going to be like, tomorrow. - But all of that in a not too serious kind of manner.
Tomorrow, David will have a day off before his match against Marcos Baghdatis on Saturday.

(Vienna tournament website)

UpdateII
Starting time now: 10pm local.
The court is now being dried... And apparently, it takes ages...
It's raining again in Buenos Aires and the start of David's match is currently delayed...

That's my favourite photo of David and Juan Carlos Ferrero, the two of them hanging out at the players party in Vienna, back in 2007. One can only speculate what they were talking about...
Not quite as much time has passed since they last met on the tennis court, or rather - the training court. At Shanghai this year, they practised together. Their last official match, however took place at the very same stadium where they'll be playing tonight, at the BALTC in Buenos Aires, during the Copa Telmex (now Copa Claro) 2009.

Whether or not we'll get to see them play today will once more depend on whether there's going to be a stream, showing the Argentine TV coverage of the match. And it won't be possible to find out until the match has started. I will of course try to find a stream but any help will be much appreciated. So, if you find a working stream, please link it in the comments.

Update
Good news: Rojadirecta lists four streams for tonight. You'll find them on the left, under "Today on Internet TV" (scroll down and click on "Tennis (): Copa Peugeot Argentina de Tenis 2011").

Another not entirely new problem concerning the Copa Argentina (and also the Copa Claro) is - the weather. As I post this, it's raining in Buenos Aires, with further rain showers forecast for the evening. In other words, we might be in for some rain delays...

Copa Argentina - Draw and Order of Play

2011-12-14T14:19:00.000-03:00

It's that time of the year again... Ever since 2004, each and every one of David's seasons has included an appearance at the Copa Peugeot Argentina De Tenis, held at the BALTC in Buenos Aires. Making this the altogether eighth time that he'll play this exhibition event (which he has won four times). What makes this year's edition special, however, is its international field - six players from five different countries.
Just like in the last two years, the event will be played in the so-called "Super Six" format, with two groups of three players. The winners of both groups will meet in Sunday's final.

Group A:
Gael Monfils, Eduardo Schwank, Fernando Gonzalez

Group B:
David Nalbandian, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Marcos Baghdatis

And here's the order of play:

Thursday
David Nalbandian vs Juan Carlos Ferrero
Eduardo Schwank vs Fernando Gonzalez

Friday
Marcos Baghdatis vs Juan Carlos Ferrero
Fernando Gonzalez vs Gael Monfils

Saturday
Gael Monfils vs Eduardo Schwank
David Nalbandian vs Marcos Baghdatis

Sunday
7pm local: Gaston Gaudio vs Mariano Zabaleta (Gaudio's farewell match)
8.30pm local: The Final

Play starts at 8.30pm local (11.30pm GMT/6.30pm EST) and the matches will be shown live on Argentine channels ESPN (Thursday) and ESPN+ (Friday to Sunday). For those who don't have access to Argentine television, like me, this means another round of the good old justin.tv stream lottery...

(photos: Copa Argentina/FB)

Copa Almirante Brown - And the Winner is: Pico

2011-12-09T16:59:00.001-03:00

(photo by Tamar)

Edit: Tamar's photos from the match and the trophy ceremony you can view here.

Update
Last year, David beat Pico in the final of this event. This time, Pico beat David 6-3, 6-3.
It was a typical exhibition match, with both players not trying to run down each and every ball but still treating the crowd to a couple of spectacular rallies. In the fourth game of the second set there was a brief shock moment when Pico stumbled and twisted his ankle a little. But he was able to continue playing, seemingly without any problems. The much more general and lasting "shock element" in this match was David's serve perfomance, including a double fault count in the double digits... We'll see what it's going to be like next week, at the Copa Argentina.

(@_footfault)

Yesterday, that was pretty much all we got to see of him - David walking onto the court at the club San Albano and then getting ready for his first match against Nicolas Massu. But just before the match itself began all available streams switched to football...

Let's hope that today we'll have a bit more luck and that there'll be a chance to watch the final of the Copa Almirante Brown - David against Pico Monaco.

Edit: The match is under way and for the moment at least there are streams (links in the sidebar).

David wins first Match at Copa Almirante Brown Exhibition

2011-12-08T10:04:00.001-03:00

(eltenisquenovemos)

UpdateII
David has won his first match at the Copa Almirante Brown, defeating Nicolas Massu 6-4, 6-0. As in the end, there was no stream after all, I can't tell you anything about this match. But maybe we'll get another chance to see David tomorrow, when he'll be playing the final against Juan "Pico" Monaco (who beat Juan Ignacio Chela in the first match of the day). This new edition of what was already last year's final will take place tomorrow, at 5.30pm local (8.30pm GMT/ 3.30pm EST)

(Olé)

Only two days have gone by since David arrived at the Ezeiza airport in Buenos Aires and then took a private plane on to Córdoba. But it was hardly more than a brief stopover that he got at home in Unquillo as today already sees him back in Buenos Aires. Or rather, in Burzaco, in the Buenos Aires province. There, at the tennis club San Albano, the third edition of the Copa Almirante Brown exhibition, played on hardcourt, starts today (the photo to the right is from the official presentation of the event).

In the first "semifinal" match of the day (3pm local), Juan Monaco will face Juan Ignacio Chela. And afterwards, at around 4.30pm local (7.30pm GMT/2.30pm EST), David will play against Nicolas Massu. Who, by the way, was also David's opponent in his first exhibition match after hip surgery, almost exactly two years ago.
The winners of today's matches will meet in tomorrow's final.

Last year, David took part in the Copa Almirante Brown for the first time and won it. Though it has to be said that this event really isn't all that serious. Still, the matches will be broadcasted live on Argentine TV. Edit: And just like last year, there's a stream for it (link in the sidebar).

Update
Looks like I spoke too soon... The last remaining stream just switched to football. I'll try to find another one but I can't promise you anything. If anyone finds a stream - please post it in the comments.

Apart from that, there's also news from the other and much bigger exhibition that David is going to play next week, the Copa Peugeot Argentina de Tenis, or simply Copa Argentina (December 15-18), held at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club and traditionally part of David's off-season.
Juan Monaco and James Blake have withdrawn and their places in the six-player draw will be taken by Juan Carlos Ferrero and Fernando Gonzalez. So the complete and truly international field now looks like this: David, Eduardo Schwank, Gael Monfils, Marcos Baghdatis, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Fernando Gonzalez.

They Lost - But as a Team: After Argentina's Defeat

2011-12-04T21:09:00.001-03:00

(DyN)

Before this Davis Cup final, the third in his career, David said that trying to beat Spain at home, on clay would be a tougher challenge than Moscow or Mar del Plata. And even though a lot of nice and respectful things were said on the Spanish side prior to this weekend ("if anyone can beat us on clay it's Argentina"), any team that has to face the "Spanish Armada" on clay goes into such a tie as the firm underdog. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that in his interviews before the final, David kept insisting that Sevilla wouldn't be his last chance to win the Davis Cup. He knew, they all knew, that even if they all gave everything they possibly could - it might be not enough.

At the same time, having to play against Spain in the final also brought back some unsavoury memories. Of the infamous Mar del Plata debacle and all that went with it, including David and Delpo falling out with each other. And it wasn't until the semifinal at Belgrade this year that their relationship actually seemed to improve again. But Belgrade turned out to be a big party, and it's so much easier to get along when things are going well.

Today, things didn't turn out well. Although Delpo played an absolutely incredible match. But even that wasn't enough against Rafa Nadal. And when Nadal finally sealed Delpo's and the Argentine team's fate in the fourth-set tiebreak, the question was what David's reaction would be like. I don't always agree with the way David behaves in Davis Cup. But today, he gave the best answer to that question. He went over to comfort Delpo. And though his first words were picked up by one of the TV cameras (see the previous update), he refused to tell the media what else he had said. Because it was only meant for Delpo's ears.
Later, during the press conference, Delpo returned the compliment:

Apart from the defeat I'm happy about the support I got from the team. The guys gave them a lecture in the doubles. (Source.)

Three years after Mar del Plata, Argentina played as a team - and lost as a team. But as far as David is concerned, they have every reason to be content with what they've achieved during this season and the final.

David: We should be happy and satisfied with everything that we've done, everyone of us. The players, the coaching staff, everybody. I think we had a great season. We got here in top shape, we were prepared for a very tough tie. During this weekend the Spanish team showed just how hard it is to beat Spain at home. But we're okay because each of the players gave everything in every moment. Sometimes, things don't work out. But we're okay and satisfied with all that we've tried in order to win. Sometimes the opponent is too good and there's not much else you can do.

Apart from that, he reminded everyone that once they get past the first-round away tie against Germany (Germany's captain Patrick Kühnen was at La Cartuja, by the way), Argentina will have home ties against pretty much every other team, including all of the big ones. Another Davis Cup season and another, maybe better chance. Also knowing that Rafa Nadal won't be playing Davis Cup next season (source).
But David will - of course. In 2012, the Davis Cup will once again be his priority. And also the Olympic Games in London, with the tennis competition taking place at Wimbledon.

So yesterday's doubles was David's last official match of the 2011 season. But it won't be the last we've seen of him this year. Next week, he'll play the Copa Almirante Brown exhibition and then there's also his traditional appearance at the Copa Argentina.
I'll take a couple of days off now but I'll see you in time for the "exhibition season".

Davis Cup Final - Spain Beats Argentina 3-1

2011-12-04T07:30:00.001-03:00

(Christina Quicler/AFP)

Update
- The update I was hoping I wouldn't have to make.
Rafael Nadal has defeated Juan Martin Del Potro (who put up an incredible fight) 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6(0).
Spain wins its fifth Davis Cup title. And Argentina loses its altogether fourth final.
The fifth rubber won't be played.
Edit: David's first words to Delpo: "You played a fantastic match, you have nothing to blame yourself for." (Source.)

Welcome to the last day of this year's Davis Cup final at La Cartuja. - Which wouldn't take place, or at least not with at least one more live rubber, if it hadn't been for David's and Eduardo Schwank's great victory in the doubles yesterday. But - here we are.
As always, Sunday means that it's time for the reverse singles. And also as always, it's the #1 players from both teams, who are up first (Edit: the AAT just tweeted a photo of Delpo, warming up for the match on the training court).

(Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal vs Juan Martin Del Potro
It'll be their altogether 10th meeting but only the second one to take place on clay (the first one was at Roland Garros 2007; Nadal won in straights). Overall, the match record stands at 6-3 in Nadal's favour, with all three of Delpo's victories dating from the 2009 season, including the one in the semifinal of the US Open, on his way to winning the title. This year, they've met twice so far, with an easy victory for Nadal at Indian Wells and a not so easy one at Wimbledon.
In short, Delpo has defeated Nadal before but so far, he has only managed to do it on hardcourt and during his best season. Still, Delpo has also shown that he can play great matches on clay - but the question is, how well can he play today? After the four hours and 46 minutes he spent on court against David Ferrer on Friday, his fitness is a bit of a question mark, going into this match. And even more so against the "King of Clay".

It will indeed take a "small miracle" (as David and Edu Schwank called it after their match) for this final to go down to a live fifth rubber. And that's why I'm not going to look beyond this fourth one, right now. Instead, for the moment I'll leave it at:

VAMOS DELPO!!! VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

P.S. But in case there is a fifth rubber - David will play it.

Davis Cup Final Day 2 - Argentina Stays Alive

2011-12-03T19:10:00.001-03:00

Update (04/12)
Recording of the match now available via David on Screen. And photos by Denise, VamosDavider at La Cartuja now on the Photo Page.
Edit: And a post-match video interview with David & Edu (in English) here.

Prior the final, it was the doubles that David identified as the rubber Argentina would have the best chance to win. And today, together with Eduardo Schwank, he let his words be followed by deeds. After just under two hours, during which Argentina's "makeshift doubles" was always in control of proceedings and didn't lose serve once, David and Edu Schwank converted their first match point to beat Spain's Lopez and Verdasco 6-4, 6-2, 6-3. Or in David's words:

We're happy because we won and now still have a chance. We played a great doubles match. We basically played a perfect match and the result shows it.

Their victory keeps Argentina alive in this final, with the score now 2-1 after the second day.

David and Edu Schwank took control of this match already early on, getting their first break (against Lopez) to go up 3-2. In this first set, neither David nor Edu Schwank faced a single break point. The only close service game was the last one, when Edu Schwank served for it. But after a couple of errors and wasting a first set point they managed to take the second. 6-4
At the start of the second set, David and Edu Schwank immediately raced to a 4-0 lead, though David faced a break point at 1-0. But "Davis Cup David" saved it with an ace. And when at 5-2, it once more fell to Edu Schwank to serve out the set, they closed it out easily. 6-2

(Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)

The third set they began with another break in the first game, with Lopez double-faulting on break point. At 3-2, David got in trouble on serve again and this time faced two break points. But he saved both of them with strong serves (one of them another ace). Finally, at 5-3 Lopez served to stay in the match. At 30-30 it was one of Schwank's many great returns today that set up their first match point before one of David's returns drew the decisive error from Verdasco. 6-3.

Halfway through the first set, one of the DavisCup.tv commentators summed up his impressions by saying that Lopez and Verdasco didn't look like a doubles team out there. While David and Edu Schwank did.
A perhaps slightly harsh but still accurate description. There were plenty of rallies during this match, where despite all of their experience Lopez and Verdasco didn't really seem to have any kind of strategy - or plan what the other was doing. And while Verdasco made lots of unforced errors, Lopez lost his serve altogether four times. David and Edu Schwank on the other hand simply played a fantastic doubles match. Tito Vázquez agrees:

Fortunately, the doubles worked out. David was excellent. The doubles played very well and was the superior team from start to finish.

David was indeed excellent, even though during the early stages of the match, Edu Schwank was the best player on court. But still, without David that wouldn't have been possible. Or in Edu Schwank's words:

He knows exactly what needs to be done, and even more so in this Davis Cup match. He took a lot of the pressure off of me and made it possible for me to play very relaxed. I felt very comfortable.

But David's importance became even more clear as the match went on. While Edu Schwank's level began to drop a little, David kept motivating him and pushing him on. And the longer the match lasted, the better David played - though that's perhaps not a surprise after the latest pause.
So the final at La Cartuja will be decided on the third day, in the reverse singles. And basically as soon as the match was over, David was asked about playing a possible fifth rubber:

The fifth rubber is still far away. Everybody knows what they have to do. Del Potro played a great match against Ferrer but didn't get rewarded for it. Playing against Nadal won't be easy for him, it's very tough - and then some.

Adding the little joke he has made before...

I'd like to play all five rubbers but the rules won't allow it. (Source.)

There are also speculations (including in the comments here) about David perhaps replacing Del Potro tomorrow in the first of the reverse singles against Rafael Nadal. But the general opinion among the Argentine "insiders" is that this won't happen. Also because prior to the final, Vázquez has said that David isn't fit to play a best-of-five match on clay against Nadal. And though he played great today - I agree.

(Reuters)

P.S. After the match, the celebrations and the glory, it was time for the fun part of Davis Cup...

Davis Cup Final Day 2 - 2-1 after the Doubles

2011-12-03T07:22:00.001-03:00

(Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)

Update
Tomorrow, we'll get to see at least one more match at La Cartuja and whatever happens then, at least Argentina won't go home without a point. David and Eduardo Schwank have kept Argentina in this final and Spain from securing an early victory by defeating Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

The first round of photos now on the Photo Page.

More soon...

After the long and emotional day at La Cartuja yesterday and with Argentina on the verge of defeat, today the time has come for David to enter the scene. And to try, together with Eduardo Schwank, to keep this final from turning into a whitewash for the Argentine team.
It's been a while since David last played doubles in Davis Cup. That was during the first-round tie in Stockholm, last year. Back then, David played with Horacio Zeballos and without any real preparation (and without having played together before), they managed to beat Robin Söderling and Robert Lindstedt. - All kinds of things can happen in Davis Cup and especially in the doubles.

(Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)

Feliciano Lopez & Fernando Verdasco vs David Nalbandian & Eduardo Schwank
David and Eduardo Schwank have played doubles together before. Once. That was three years ago at Basel 2008, where they immediately made it to the semifinal. Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco not only play doubles regularly on the Tour together, they are also Spain's fixed doubles team. And they've already played a dozen doubles rubbers in Davis Cup, including the one they won at Mar del Plata (against David and Agustin Calleri).
In short, it's a very experienced team that David and Edu Schwank find themselves up against today. But also one that has had its problems, this year. And especially towards the end of the season. Lopez and Verdasco have been on a losing streak ever since the Masters in Montréal (where they lost in the second round). And their comprehensive defeat against Michael Llodra and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Davis Cup semifinal tie against France (where they only managed to get three games) raised some doubts about whether Spain's captain Albert Costa should rely on them for this final. But Costa decided to stick with Lopez and Verdasco, the recently not too successful but still very experienced pair of lefties.
In terms of Davis Cup success and experience, David is of course far ahead of Edu Schwank, who's playing his fifth doubles rubber in what's his sixth tie (for David it's the 17th doubles and the 22nd tie). But Schwank is the best doubles player Argentina has to offer, with a Roland Garros final this year and a US Open semi (last year) to his name. Apart from that, they know each other well, as Schwank used to be coached by David's brother Javier and they often trained together in the past. But in this match today, everything will depend on whether they can manage to complement each other. And whether they can deal with the pressure of having to play this match with their back against the wall.

VAMOS DAVID & EDU!!! VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

Davis Cup Final Day 1 - Spain up 2-0

2011-12-02T06:54:00.000-03:00

UpdateII

(Telam)

After the first two singles rubbers and a total of over seven hours of tennis, the worst case scenario for Argentina has become reality.
After Juan Monaco was chanceless against Rafael Nadal, Juan Martin Del Potro lost the second singles rubber to David Ferrer, who won their five-set battle 6-2, 6-7(2), 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Spain now leads 2-0 and is merely one point away from winning a fifth Davis Cup title. While Argentina is on the brink of defeat...
But that's not the reason David shed a couple of tears at La Cartuja today. It was listening to Argentina's national anthem during the opening ceremony that moved him.
In tomorrow's doubles rubber, it'll now be up to David and Eduardo Schwank to try and keep Argentina in this final...

Update
Juan Monaco threw everything he had at him but in the end, he didn't stand a chance against the "King of Clay". After just under two and a half hours, Rafael Nadal prevailed 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, winning the first point for Spain. In the second rubber, the pressure is now firmly on Delpo...

Bienvenidos and welcome to the first day of the Davis Cup final at Sevilla's La Cartuja stadium!
We won't get to see David on court today (only supporting his teammates from the sidelines) but still, it's two very important matches that we have on our hands, the first two singles rubbers...

(Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal vs Juan Monaco
When these two friends last played against each other, it was Juan "Pico" Monaco who came out as the winner. That was at Cincy 2007, when Nadal retired, down a set and a double break. Their other two matches, however, took place on clay. And both times, Nadal won very comfortably, merely granting Pico two and four games, respectively. This year, Nadal met his match on clay, in the shape of Novak Djokovic. And the tail end of his season certainly didn't meet his own expectations. Still, on clay Nadal is a phenomenon (the best clay-courter ever, according to David) and needless to say, he has never lost a Davis Cup singles match on this surface.
So of course, Pico will be the complete underdog in this match and nobody really expects him to win it - but perhaps this lack of expectations can help him a little. As well as the good results that he was able to post at the last few tournaments he played.

(Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)

David Ferrer vs Juan Martin Del Potro
It's going to be their fifth encounter (match record: 2-2) but the first one on clay. In the past, Delpo has shown that he's able to beat Ferrer, and easily at that, on hardcourt. And he won both of their last two matches in straights (after having had to retire, the first time they met and losing the second time on grass). But two and a half years have gone by since Delpo's last victory, which took place at Miami 2009, the year he won the US Open. And of course the surface, as well as the situation, is a different one today. During this season, Delpo has made an amazing move back up the ranks to just outside the Top10 but he hasn't played since Valencia. David Ferrer on the other hand came to Sevilla, having made the semis at the World Tour Final. Ferrer has said that he's tired after the long season he's had but also that he's determined to give his all in this final. And his Davis Cup record on clay is just as impeccable as Nadal's. In short, this will be a really tough match for Delpo. And much more so in the not unlikely case that the Argentine team finds itself trailing after the first rubber.

Tito Vázquez has said that Argentina's goal is for the scoreline to be 1-1 after this first day. Can a first point be won against the "Spanish Armada" today? We'll find out. VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

Davis Cup Final - The Draw

2011-12-01T08:03:00.001-03:00

We all know about David's special obsession. But as much as he likes to play Davis Cup, what he could surely do without are the press conferences that go with it. And the draw ceremonies. Which usually involve having to sit through lengthy speeches by various officials, something that can send even the most ardent 'Copero' almost to sleep (pic from Mar del Plata 2008). Today, however, David had every reason to be a little tired (and look it, in the clip above). At 6.45am this morning, there was a knock on the door of his hotel room and David had to undergo an unannounced doping test, just like Juan Monaco and Juan Martin Del Potro (source).

In any case, this is what came out of today's draw ceremony (Edit: impressions from it here):

(Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images)

Friday (2pm local)

Rafael Nadal vs Juan Monaco

David Ferrer vs Juan Martin Del Potro

Saturday (4pm local)

Feliciano Lopez & Fernando Verdasco vs David Nalbandian & Eduardo Schwank

Sunday (1pm local)

Rafael Nadal vs Juan Martin Del Potro

David Ferrer vs Juan Monaco

As expected, Argentina's captain Tito Vázquez nominated David together with Eduardo Schwank (who replaces Chela on the team) for the doubles while Juan Monaco will contest tomorrow's opening singles rubber against Rafael Nadal. A strategy that already became apparent during the training sessions. Still, after the ceremony was over, there were at least two people at Sevilla's Teatro Lope de Vega, who didn't really trust the choices made by Vázquez. Those two were Spain's captain Albert Costa and Rafael Nadal, who had the following to say about tomorrow:

We'll see if I'm going to play against Monaco. I don't know yet. In principle, I play against Monaco, who finished the season, playing very well. But they could replace him with Nalbandian. I won't know until tomorrow. (Source.)

(CopaDavisITF/FB)

For Nadal it's apparently difficult to believe that David won't be playing tomorrow. While David himself admits that it does feel a bit strange not to be part of the line-up on the first day.

Each final is different. You always do your best. I'm ready and prepared for that match. It's not going to be easy. It is weird not to be playing on Friday in a tie but I'm prepared.

And they, David and Edu Schwank, have been preparing for the doubles ever since the Argentine team first got together in Buenos Aires.
(In the brief clip above, David also talks about the doubles, basically just saying that they'll have to see what the match is going to be like, how well Lopez and Verdasco will play and that his preparations with Schwank have been going really well.) At the same time, the doubles rubber as his first match is not completely new for David. Since last year's first-round tie against Sweden, I've been calling it the "Stockholm Maneuvre" - David playing the doubles and then also a possible live fifth rubber. And to me, it seems like this is also the plan, this time (regardless of what the draw says).

You have to accept the line-up as decided by the captain. We shouldn't rush things but take it match by match and then see what happens. (Source.)

Update
Audio clips from David and everybody else (in English) here.

P.S. More photos from the draw ceremony on the Photo Page. And everything about the match-ups in time for the matches.

The (not so) Quiet before the Storm

2011-11-30T19:09:00.001-03:00

Today was the last "normal" day of training at La Cartuja. And David, taped again, spent it not on the main court (where tarps were installed today against the sunlight from the sides) but on the small training court. During the first session he trained with Juan Monaco, as can be seen in the clip above, which contains footage of Del Potro, Monaco, David and also Nadal. Later, in the afternoon, it was time for another round of doubles practice together with Eduardo Schwank, who told the press today that playing together, he and David have "muy buen feeling" (his exact words). It may still not be official but it's very obvious - Juan Monaco will face Rafael Nadal on Friday, David and Eduardo Schwank will play the doubles against Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco on Saturday. That's what basically everybody expects to be confirmed at the draw ceremony, which will take place tomorrow at noon, local time at the glorious Teatro Lope de Vega.

(Olé)

While David had a busy day, practicing it was also a very busy day for the media. With Spanish sports newspaper Marca causing a media commotion with an article about the allegedly still very tense relationship between the "irreconcilable enemies" David and Delpo ("they don't talk to each other"). Meanwhile the Argentine press took a look back at David's long and illustrious Davis Cup career. And David's self-confessed obsession even made it into the New York Times today, in form of this article.

Speaking of which, the media that is, here's the latest interview with David, this time by Sebastian Torok for La Nacion.

Q: You've been troubled a bit by the characteristics of the court during these days of training, and you've been cursing about the light and shadow and court. Are those things bad for Argentina?

David: No, no. But the clay that's being used for this court is fine, very similar to the one at the tournament in Barcelona. It's a little slippery. The court is fast but there's not much pressure on the balls and that makes them a little slow. And the effect is a bit weird because they don't bounce very high. Apart from that there's still a lot of light and shadows, it's difficult to see the ball well and the seats reflect the sun. It's very difficult. Shortly after three in the afternoon there's sunlight as well, and it's during those hours that the matches will take place. It doesn't just happen in the mornings.

Q: You say that Spain is the favourite. But what is their weakness?

David: I think that the doubles is the weakest rubber, the one to win. Compared, obviously, to the quality of Rafa and Ferrer. It's obvious that the doubles team with Verdasco and Feliciano [Lopez] would make for an extremely strong part of every other team, it would be fundamental. But winning [the doubles] would mean winning one point, you would still need two more. And at Mar del Plata we lost to the same doubles. But still, the matches have to played.

Q: In previous years you played on all three days at some of the ties. Based on what could be seen in practive and taking into account the injuries that you've had, are you focusing on playing your first match in the doubles rubber, together with Schwank?

David: I don't know. Edu and I have been training together, trying to get in our best shape. It's true that against either of the Spanish singles players the matches won't be short ones and it would be extremely exhausting to play on Friday and Saturday. And we also know that the doubles is a very important rubber in this tie and that we have to try and win it.

Q: Playing [the doubles] together with Del Potro, is that feasible?

David: That's for the captain to decide, you'll have to ask him. I still haven't practiced with Juan Martin. But the tie will be tough and we have to be ready for anything.

Q: Nadal has had some poor results on the Tour but these days he has been seen hitting the ball with a lot of intensity, even with anger. Is the wounded animal [figuratively speaking] still the most dangerous?

David: He's always Rafa. He got here without having played much and with little confidence after the London Masters [World Tour Final]. But on clay we know what he's like, the potential that he has. He'll finetune his game in time and he always gives the maximum. He'll play better than he did at the Masters, I don't have any doubts about that. He's going to be very hard to beat.

Q: Recalling the finals of 2006 and 2008, how do you think you are today?

David: I'm getting older, that's the only difference (laughs). I have more experience. Here in Sevilla it's tougher than the final against Russia and the one at Mar del Plata. But we have a good team, we have to be ready to suffer, to fight and to run down each and every ball. Spain is the favourite, the statistics show it, the ranking, the surface, everything. We have to stay calm. We want to pull off the surprise.

Q: The injuries happen more frequently and you'll turn 30 soon. Do you feel that this will be your last chance to win the Davis Cup?

David: No, I don't see it that was because the draw for next year is good. Except for the first round, playing against Germany and as the away team, we'll be able to face the top nations at home and we have a good chance of going deep. But before that comes this final. And I'm concentrating on here and now because what's ahead for me is the dream of my life. I'm happy, I don't think about being the hero or any other thing or nonsense. We are all excited, in top shape, we've been preparing for days now. It's all about winning those three points, no matter what it takes. It's difficult but in the semifinal against Serbia people had already written us off as well. So what? Who says so?

Press Conference Day at La Cartuja

2011-11-29T16:53:00.001-03:00

(Miguel Angel Morenatti/AP Photo)

Today, between training sessions, it was time for the traditional Tuesday round of press conferences. And while the Spanish team arrived with its captain Albert Costa and four players (those four that everyone was expecting), on the Argentine side captain Tito Vázquez was accompanied by five players. Though one of them didn't get a single question during the official part of the press conference - Juan Ignacio Chela.
The Spanish team was up first, with Costa saying that he has made his decision about Spain's line-up for the final and that there "won't be many changes, regardless of what the Argentines are going to do" (source). Or rather, there probably won't be any changes at all, with Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer playing the singles and Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco for the doubles. The main centre of attention, however, was of course Rafael Nadal, who stated that "the objective is to win" and that "the pressure will be the same for Spain and Argentina".
A perception that David disagreed with, when he was asked about it later, during the Argentine team's press conference: "They're the favourites, more so than we are, and it's their responsibility to win" (source). Apart from that, everyone (on both teams) agreed that each of the matches will be very difficult and very tough and that it's important to be prepared and in the best possible shape for the final. Tito Vázquez refused to answer any questions about the exact line-up of his team, while David and the other players left it at statements like "the captain will decide" and "if I get to play I'm going to give my best". And eventually, after the press conference was basically already over, Chela did get to answer at least one question, thanks to a Spanish journalist. Still, the general opinion at this stage (backed by the practice sessions) is that Eduardo Schwank will replace Chela on the team - and that David will play the doubles together with him.

(Cristina Quicler/AFP)

As for today's training, David took part in both sessions again (while this time, it was Juan Monaco, who was allowed to skip the first one). After hitting and then also playing points with Juan Ignacio Chela, the second session of the day saw David practicing doubles with Eduardo Schwank again, something like a daily ritual at La Cartuja by now.
Something else that hasn't changed since the Argentine team first started practicing at the stadium is the problems with the light. Although David, the other players and Tito Vázquez have complained about visibility problems on court (during the afternoon), nothing has been done about it so far. Much to David's chagrin, who reportedly erupted in a resounding "What a shit court!" during today's doubles practice (source).
Not surprisingly perhaps, this little episode is not to be found in the AAT's clip of David and Schwank, practicing with Del Potro and Monaco, which you'll find below. But what can be seen in this clip is that David had his left leg taped below the knee. I've haven't been able to find out more, so for the moment, I'll hope it's just a precaution. (More photos on the Photo Page.)

Lights and Shadows and a New Interview

2011-11-28T08:45:00.001-03:00

(filmed yesterday)

Update

(AAT)

After David skipped (and was allowed to skip) the first training session today, during the second one he practiced doubles with Eduardo Schwank yet again, practically confirming the speculations about him, not playing against Rafael Nadal on Friday but contesting the doubles alongside Eduardo Schwank instead (clips of the two, training together here and here; photos from today now on the Photo Page).

The good news of the day: After the first session of the day Juan Martin Del Potro told the press that his knee isn't really troubling him after all and that he's looking forward to playing the final (source).
The not so good news of the day: Both Delpo and and David have expressed their discontent with the speed of the surface at La Cartuja. While Delpo called it a little too slow for his taste, the expression that David chose to describe it was deemed unprintable by the press...
All about the team press conferences tomorrow.

The training sessions at La Cartuja stadium continued yesterday, with David mostly practicing with Juan Monaco, as can be seen in the brief clip above. But while all journalists present in Sevilla agree that David is showing himself to be in good form (also physically), there are some concerns regarding Juan Martin Del Potro. During an evening doubles practice (David and Schwank against Del Potro and Chela) called by Tito Vázquez on Saturday, Delpo got stuck in the clay and twisted his right knee. Since then, he has been training with a knee bandage and although he was able to do full training yesterday it's not quite clear whether this is just a precaution.

(Marcelo Carroll/Clarin)

Apart from that, the Argentine team has encountered some problems with the conditions at La Cartuja. Or more specifically, the light on the main court. Parts of the roof that has been erected over the court are transparent, letting in natural light. But as the weather has been clear and sunny at Sevilla these last couple of days, the sunlight falling in through those transparent areas has affected the visibility on court, as can be seen in this photo. A problem that occurs only in the afternoon - and it'll be in the afternoon that the matches of the final will be played. At the same time, the artificial lighting that has also been installed doesn't work properly, with several panels not functioning (source). Hopefully, the Spanish hosts will use the remaining days until the final to resolve these issues.

With both teams now present in full force (David Ferrer arrived from London yesterday), the training sessions continue today, with an update to follow in the evening (photos from yesterday on the Photo Page). Tomorrow, it'll then be time for the traditional round of team press conferences. Ahead of those, here's an interview that David gave to Marcelo Maller for Clarin:

Q: A genie comes to you and says, "Argentina will win the Davis Cup but you have to sign this contract which says that you're going to retire after playing in Sevilla". Would you do it?

David: Nooo! I would say that I'd love to win the Davis Cup against Spain in Sevilla but that I also want to keep playing tennis for all of next year.

Q: What mistakes from the final 2008 should you not commit now, on and off the court?

David: I think that the circumstances are totally different. Now I am very much focused on this final, trying to be in my best shape for it, physically as well as in terms of my tennis.

Q: With this final, are you the good guy or the bad guy?

David: I think I'm part of the team, nothing more than just that.

Q: You've said more than once that you'd like to play three rubbers but that this final has to be played smartly. Does being smart mean that you won't play on the first day and that if not that you're going to play the doubles?

David: I love playing Davis Cup, representing my country but the decisions about who plays each rubber are made by the captain.

Q: Do you see yourself winning the last point and celebrating the title or would that be a miracle?

David: I hope that we win the final, who will play the last rubber will play the last rubber, and that I can win for the team those points that I get to play. To win the tie you need three points and Argentina has a good team to achieve that.

Q: Nadal has never lost, playing at home on clay in the Davis Cup. Can you or Del Potro beat him? And will the crowd have an influence on the tie?

David: I think beating Rafa on clay is very difficult. He's the best player on this surface in history. Still, I think that the matches have to be played... The location is always important and plays a decisive role. The Spanish fans will be in the majority at the stadium and they're going to make you feel it.

Q: Will it be decisive, as Tito said, for the score to be 1-1 after Friday? Are Ferrer's two singles matches going to make the difference? Because he's the one to beat.

David: I think that Spain has a very solid team, especially with its two singles players. It's very difficult to beat Rafa and Ferrer on this surface, they are both great clay specialists.

Q: About which specific topics do you talk to Del Potro when you talk to him?

David: With Juan Martin, we basically talk about tennis in general.

Q: Did you get to Sevilla knowing that there's less pressure for Argentina because you're not the favourites to win? In your head, are you going over the draw for 2012, with the home ties it'll mean in Buenos Aires?

David: The only thing that's in my head is the final in Sevilla against Spain. It's the third final of my career and I'd love to win it for once, for Argentina.

Q: When you lay your head down on your pillow at night, do you pray that you a) don't get injured, b) play your best tennis or c) win the Davis Cup and if so that you get to be the hero?

David: In that order. I always think about those three things, except being the hero.

Q: If you win you'll enter the national sports Olymp. If you lose, what do you think people will think of the team and you, especially?

David: Winning the Davis Cup for the first time would be spectacular for all Argentineans. If we don't win I suppose people would understand that we left everything out there on the court, trying to win each of the rubbers. As for myself, I think people know that the Davis Cup is kind of an obsession that I have and that if I can't win it this time I'm going to try again in 2012.

(Marcelo Carroll/Clarin)

First Training at La Cartuja

2011-11-26T15:44:00.001-03:00

After David and the rest of the Argentine team arrived in Sevilla yesterday evening, today the first training sessions of both the Argentine and the Spanish team took place at La Cartuja stadium.
In the case of Argentina, this meant an hour and a half of hitting practice, with David, Juan Martin del Potro and Juan Monaco taking turns on the centre court (further clips here and here), while Juan Ignacio Chela, Eduardo Schwank and hitting partner Facundo Bagnis practiced on the training court that has also been installed at the stadium.

Meanwhile, on the Spanish side Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco practiced doubles against Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez, the hitting partner that the Spanish team has brought to Sevilla. And while after his semifinal defeat at the World Tour Final today, David Ferrer will now join the team as soon as possible, Rafael Nadal has already arrived in Sevilla. Spain's #1 also trained at La Cartuja today, though he still had time for a little chat with David and Juan Monaco, as can be seen in this clip.
Edit: Lots of photos from today now on the Photo Page.

(Aníbal Greco/La Nacion)

On the Way to Spain

2011-11-24T08:22:00.001-03:00

(Video by Tamar, filmed on Wednesday)

Yesterday was the last full day of practice for the Argentine team at the Tenis Club Argentino in Buenos Aires. David spent most of it, training with Juan Monaco (another clip here), while Tito Vázquez and Juan Martin Del Potro also talked to the press. With the former refusing, despite the attempts by the media, to disclose his strategy for Sevilla and the latter confirming that right now, he is focusing on his first match against David Ferrer and that whatever will happen after that will be up to the captain to decide. In short, that Del Potro will play two singles rubbers is the only thing that's clear at this point.

Today, the team will get together for a last, very light training session in the morning. After that, David and the others will be free to spend the rest of the day as they like before in the evening, the team will leave for Spain, where they will arrive on Friday. On Saturday, training is scheduled to continue on site, at La Cartuja stadium.

Update
As promised, I've translated David's video interview for the Spanish edition of the Davis Cup website (from which this little screencap here has been taken). In it, a rather relaxed David talks about the upcoming final but also about the Davis Cup in general, past experiences and future chances (and yes, he used the plural) of winning it. A good interview and one that I can only recommend.
The post with the clip and my translation you'll find here.

Apart from that, if you want to listen to David in English, there's a brief new audio interview with him that can be found on the Davis Cup site, here.

And here's a look at La Cartuja stadium, with the roof, stands and court now in place:

(DobleMixto)

Edit: And a first picture of the now almost finished court, as tweeted by Spain's captain Albert Costa:

(Gustavo Garello/Clarin)

Official Player Lists & A Demonstration of Unity

2011-11-22T17:13:00.001-03:00

(AAT)

With the Davis Cup final now merely 10 days away, today both team captains had to officially submit their player lists to the ITF. And both Tito Vázquez and Albert Costa went for a "4 (+1)" strategy of putting four names on the list but going to Sevilla with five players. So the official lists of players look like this:

Argentina
David Nalbandian, Juan Martin Del Potro, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela

Spain
Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez, Fernando Verdasco

But Eduardo Schwank and Marcel Granollers will travel to Sevilla as well - "just in case". And changes to the line-up are possible until shortly before the draw ceremony.
Apart from that, today members of the press were allowed to be present during the Argentine team's first training session of the day. And what they got to see was a lot of David and Delpo:

(@urbanabanana)

Warming up together, hitting together, playing a practice set and then afterwards spending fifteen minutes, sitting and talking together (source). A demonstration of unity. Afterwards, David trained with Eduardo Schwank and their second doubles practice in as many days (later, in the afternoon) has renewed the speculations about David, playing the doubles and a possible fifth rubber, instead of facing Nadal on the first day. Asked about the current state of his preparations, David said, "each day I feel better and adapt better to playing on clay" (source).

(AAT)

In the afternoon, the team was joined by Juan Ignacio Chela, who arrived today from having played an exhibition match against Fernando Gonzalez in Santa Fé (which he won 6-4, 6-3).
- Speaking of which, the official presentation of this year's Copa Almirante Brown also took place today, a relatively small exhibition that David already played last year. This time (December 8/9), it'll be David, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela and Nicolas Massu at the tennis club St. Albano.

P.S. There's a nice video interview with David (in Spanish) that was done for the Davis Cup website. I'll translate/summarise it as soon as I can find the time.

Argentina's "Fabulous Five" - Vázquez Nominates Team

2011-11-18T12:39:00.001-03:00

UpdateII (22/11)
At a press conference in Barcelona, Spain's captain Albert Costa has just confirmed his team nominations for the Davis Cup final. As previously announced, and just like Argentina's captain Tito Vázquez, Costa has nominated five players. Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco will be joined by Marcel Granollers, who will be there "just in case" (source).

Update (21/11)
David arrived in Buenos Aires today for the first training session of the Argentine team. Here are the first two photos, courtesy of the AAT. More tomorrow when the press will be present.

(AAT)

It's official - David Nalbandian, Juan Martin Del Potro, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank have all been nominated by team captain Tito Vázquez for the upcoming Davis Cup final against Spain. During a brief press conference in Buenos Aires today, Vázquez confirmed that he'll be taking five players to Sevilla, adding that the final decision about who is going to play which match won't be made until the very last minute. But also that certain things have changed on the Argentine team - and for the better:

"A final is something very special. We're going to take five players [to Sevilla]. They all deserve to be there and we think that it's the best thing to do. We're going to define the team [as in - who is actually going to play] one hour before the draw ceremony.
We've all grown, we've talked about our differences and we've dropped the masks. I'm happy about that." (Source.)

Apart from that, vice captain Caio Rivera said that David has been "training very well" and that he has "ended up having some pain in his left hand" but it's "nothing serious" (source). Hopefully.

As mentioned before, the team training sessions will begin on Monday at the Tenis Club Argentino in Buenos Aires. The morning session on Tuesday will be open to the press, so there will be news then, and probably also photos and videos.
On Thursday evening (24/11), the team will then be on its way to Spain, where after one day of rest, the training will continue on Saturday. In order for the team to have a left-handed hitting partner at those practices, junior player Facundo Bagnis will accompany the team to Sevilla.

Finally, according to Danny Miche, the final will be the last tie for Tito Vázquez as Argentina's Davis Cup captain, regardless of the outcome. His successor will apparently be someone who has had his eye on that job for a while now - David's former coach Martin Jaite.

Meanwhile at La Cartuja stadium...

(Europa Press)

Another Press Conference with David

2011-11-17T09:55:00.001-03:00

(diaadia.com.ar)

Before on Monday the Argentine team takes up training together at the Tenis Club Argentino in Buenos Aires and then travels to Spain at the end of next week, David's plan was to spend this week back home in Unquillo, training in peace and quiet, far away from the bustle of Buenos Aires. But if his plan also was to escape the attention of the Argentine media then it didn't work out so very well...
Therefore, David held another press conference yesterday, at the Inés Gorrochategui Academy in Villa Allende, his training grounds whenever he's at home. Answering more questions about the upcoming Davis Cup final and also about his current state of mind.

I'll be ready, I feel good. It's going to be a battle. But the pressure doesn't trouble me at all, on the contrary. I like it and it motivates me.
I don't feel any anxiety. Maybe I will when we'll get to be more in the Davis Cup atmosphere. Right now, I get to 'live' a little but the reality will be next week when we'll train together and get ready for Sevilla.
We are doing very well and in the coming days we're going to be getting better because we will have more time to train on clay. The difficult part is adapting and changing the surface. We have to think about ourselves. They are the favourites and sometimes even doing things right may not be enough. But you have to give everything.

Still, how well David is able to play on clay these days remains to be mystery - even to himself.

It's difficult to know my level because I haven't played on clay in seven or eight months and that is a big factor. Fortunately, we have time to train and adapt to clay. I will try to get there in the best possible shape.

At the same time, he's of course well aware of Spain's strengths, though he believes in Argentina's chances.

Spain is a tough opponent wherever you play. If you analyse it, the weakest point is the doubles and that's still tough. Between Rafa and Ferrer on clay, I don't know if there's much of a difference, it's not much. Those are two very even singles players, very strong and very competitive on any surface. And even more so on clay. But we have a good team and can look ahead at what's going to be a close tie where we will have our chances.

In a recent interview, Rafael Nadal said that Spain won't repeat the mistakes Argentina made in 2008 and that the most important thing is to be united as a team...

I don't know what Rafa meant by that. Those are opinions. Maybe they're at a different point as a team now than in 2008. I don't know, you always have to try and do things the best way you can and be in the best shape for playing every match, regardless of the opponent. We have to focus on us, playing well.

There'll be more about what Nadal meant by that as part of VD's Davis Cup Flashback series (and also more about David's first final, in Moscow 2006).

Here's a clip about David's press conference:

Asked to compare the upcoming final with the ones he played in the past, he says it's going to be completely different for a variety of factors, also compared to Mar del Plata 2008, because they'll be the away team, it's going to be a different surface and Rafa Nadal is going to be there. He thinks it's going to be more difficult than it was at Mar del Plata but they have to prepare and be ready to fight.
Apart from that, he has recovered well from his tear, he's doing normal training now and it's still two weeks until the final. Next week they will all train together, he feels good and he's looking forward to the final.
He'll get to Sevilla in good shape and well rested but without rhythm or match practice, having not been able to play of late but you never know whether that's an advantage or a disadvantage.
(The rest of his replies has already been mentioned/translated above; some more photos from the press conference you'll find on the Photo Page.)

Finally, one last question:

Q: Can you win it this time?
David: I hope so.
(Sources: MundoD & Día a Día)

A Brief Update

2011-11-14T08:41:00.000-03:00

(photo by Tamar)

Update (15/11)
On Friday, Argentina's captain Tito Vázquez will officially confirm his team nominations for Sevilla at a press conference in Buenos Aires (source). As mentioned before, Vázquez has already revealed that he's going to nominate everyone who has played for Argentina this season, i.e. David, Juan Martin Del Potro, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank.

First of all, Tamar from VD's partner site David Nalbandian Es Un Ídolo Total was at David's press conference and took a variety of photos she has uploaded by now. Her gallery with those photos you can have a look at here.

Then, as it's Monday - a look at the rankings. This week, David's points from the Paris Masters last year are gone but he still has 760 ranking points and loses only two positions, now finding himself at #64. Apparently, it's now possible for him to count in another 250 event (with Stockholm and Buenos Aires now both appearing on his list of countable events), probably because he missed Paris due to injury.

This week, David will be back home in Unquillo to continue his preparations in peace and quiet. Whether there's going to be interviews or further news while he's there - we'll have to wait and see.

Meanwhile, on to the next instalment the "Davis Cup Flashback" series. This time, we'll take a look back at the last away tie Argentina played against Spain. That was in the semifinal 2003 and it was a somewhat unusual tie, also due to a notable absence...
The Spanish line-up for this tie included two Top10 players, Juan Carlos Ferrero (no.1 at the time) and Carlos Moya (#6). But Argentina could've matched that - had it not been for a case of double injury trouble.
While Guillermo Coria (#5) was out with an adductor tear, David (who had just reached the semifinal at the US Open and was ranked #9) was sidelined with an abdominal tear and an inflammation in his right wrist.
In the end, it fell to Gaston Gaudio and Mariano Zabaleta to contest the first two singles. Both lost, but while Gaudio didn't stand a chance against Ferrero, Zabaleta led by two sets to love before Moya turned around the match. On the brink of defeat after the first day, Argentina was kept alive by the doubles, not exactly a traditional Argentine strength. But Agustin Calleri and Lucas Arnold Ker managed to beat Alex Corretja and Albert Costa and after on the third day, Calleri also pulled off a surprise victory over Ferrero, the tie went down to the fifth rubber - and ended the way it had begun, with a comprehensive defeat for Gaudio, this time at the hands of Moya.
Still, even without being able to rely on their two best players at the time and after losing the first two rubbers, Argentina managed to make it close, much closer than anyone would've thought back then. A tie to remember.

David: We Have to Be Ready for Battle

2011-11-10T13:58:00.000-03:00

Training at the Vilas Club this week, with the Buenos Aires Challenger (also known as Copa Topper) taking place there as well, it was clear from the start that David wouldn't be able to escape the attention of the Argentine media. So instead of doing a whole series of interviews, David decided to do it all in one go, in form of the press conference he held at the Vilas Club earlier today (and the second part of which you can watch here).
Here's a summary of what he told the assembled press.

The current state of affairs
He's fine, he has recovered from his tear (he says tear) and everything is going according to plan. He has taken up training again and it's going really well, each day he's getting a little better.

Thinking about the final?
All the time. After all, recovering and getting in shape for the final is what he's working on now and it's very important for him. Today, he also had a little talk with Tito Vázquez (who's at the Vilas Club this week). Right now, Pico Monaco is the only Argentine player who's still 'on the road' but soon they'll all get together and train together, trying to get in the best possible shape for Sevilla.

The slow court at Sevilla
The court will be slow, also because it'll be winter in Spain. Right now, they don't know what exactly it's going to be like but they have to focus on themselves and getting in form for this very difficult tie and ultimately, that's going to be more important than the speed of the court.

On which day? Maybe on all three?
There are different possible alternatives and also many different opinions about this. But in the end, the captain will decide. It's obviously going to be a very tough tie, especially against Rafa Nadal on clay. When they'll get together in Buenos Aires they'll start working on a strategy but each of the five rubbers will be difficult.
As for playing on all three days, he never said that he won't ever do it again but on clay that's difficult. Adding (with a grin) that if he could, he'd play all five rubbers himself but the rules don't allow it.

Pico and his recent good results
It's still three weeks and they'll have to see how everybody is by then. But Juan "Pico" Monaco's results give him confidence and the more alternatives they have for the final, the better.

A difficult comeback
Being sidelined and unable to do what you want to do is always hard. Physically he feels very good now and he wants to play of course, even more so in a Davis Cup final. Though normally he wouldn't necessarily get to play against the top guys right away. But he thinks he'll be in good shape for Sevilla, both physically and in terms of his tennis, he'll be ready for anything.

Preparations cut short
It does have an effect that he wasn't able to play the last two events on his schedule, in terms of rhythm and match practice. That was what he wanted to gain, playing in Asia and Europe. Now he'll have to play the final after five weeks without playing and he'll be lacking match practice but he'll give his best.

Del Potro and his withdrawal from Paris
It's a shame that Del Potro couldn't play Paris, it would've been good for him and his confidence. He was playing well these last few weeks and David hopes that it's nothing serious with his shoulder. But every player knows what's best for him and if Del Potro gets some rest now and that works for him then so much for the better.

A chance of winning
There's always a chance of winning, though it's going to be five extremely tough rubbers. The Spanish team is obviously the favourite but they, i.e. the Argentine team, have to be ready for what's going to be a battle.

Plans for the coming weeks
This week he'll stay in Buenos Aires, next week he'll be back home in Unquillo again before on Monday the 21st, the team will meet in Buenos Aires, to train and talk, and to work on a strategy together with the captain.

- And to get ready for battle...

(epa)

Rankings Update

2011-11-07T06:57:00.000-03:00

(José Gabriel Hernández/La Voz)

UpdateII (8/11)
Today, apart from spending more time at the gym, David took to the practice court for the first time since Stockholm for some "very light training" - the first steps on the road to Sevilla (source).
On Thursday, he'll talk to the press at the Vilas Club (currently also the site of the Buenos Aires Challenger). Then we'll get to know more.

Update
David has been spotted at the Vilas Club in Buenos Aires - but so far only at the gym.
Edit: His first tennis practice will take place tomorrow (source).

First of all, a look at the rankings after Basel. Those 90 points David has lost now (from making the quarterfinal last year) see him drop down five positions to #62 this week. Next Monday, he'll lose around another five places when his Paris Masters points from last season come off.

This week, David is scheduled to begin with practicing on clay, provided that everything has been going according to plan with his physical training. Whether or not that's the case is still a mystery at this point. But I'll try my best to keep you posted about any news concerning David's progress and his Davis Cup preparations.

Meanwhile, Juan Martin Del Potro has pulled out of the Paris Masters, citing "pain in his right shoulder" as the reason for his withdrawal (source). As this also puts a definitive end to his chances of qualifying for the World Tour Final, Del Potro now joins the ranks of Argentine Davis Cup players, recovering and preparing for Sevilla away from the tournament courts (along with David and Juan Ignacio Chela). With Juan Monaco, runner-up at Valencia, left as the only Argentine in the draw at Paris, while Eduardo Schwank is playing the Challenger at Buenos Aires this week.

"On the Road to Sevilla" - Davis Cup Final Season starts on VD

2011-11-05T18:32:00.001-03:00

With the Davis Cup final now 27 days away, and in the absence of any further tournaments to cover, today marks the official beginning of the Davis Cup final season here on Vamos David. From now on, everything will be all about the final, we'll be "on the road to Sevilla" and to what will be the biggest event for David since he made his comeback on the Tour.
But as much as I'd like to be able to tell you more about his training and the progress he's hopefully making - nothing has been heard all week from Mr. Nalbandian.

While David is is once more "in hiding" today's semifinals at Valencia saw two Spanish/Argentine clashes. A "mini-Davis" as it was called in the Spanish press that ended with a draw. While Juan Monaco managed to pull off a surprise victory over David Ferrer, Juan Martin Del Potro lost to Marcel Granollers. With Del Potro's defeat all but ending his chances of qualifying directly for the World Tour Final. And as he already said earlier this week that he won't be going to London as an alternate (source), this means that he should have enough time to rest and then train on clay ahead of Sevilla.

A few more words about VD's Davis Cup final season. During the coming weeks, I will of course keep track of David's preparations and any news concerning the team. But apart from that I'm also going to take a look at the bigger picture, at those things surrounding what's regarded as a hugely important event, both in Spain and in Argentina (and not just by David). Which will include an occasional look at Davis Cup history, the "Davis Cup Flashbacks", indicated by the little graphic below to the right. Today, I'll begin with the last time Spain lost a tie at home...

When David sealed Argentina's victory over Russia in the quarterfinal last year, he also sealed Russia's first defeat at home in fifteen years. In Spain's case "only" twelve years have gone by since the last time they lost a tie on home soil and with a bit of goodwill that may pass for good news.
The bad news, however, is that back in the first round in 1999, it took one of the best clay-courters in recent history to bring about that last defeat - Brazil's Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten. Two years after winning his first title at Roland Garros (thanks, Anonymous), Kuerten (ranked #18 at the time) played on all three days, beating Alex Corretja (#6) and Carlos Moya (#2) in singles as well as winning a marathon five-set doubles with Jaime Oncins against Alex Corretja and Albert Costa (now Spain's captain). A Herculean effort from Guga - and that's what it took to beat Spain at home.

Last but not least - David's Davis Cup teammate Eduardo Schwank completes the field for this year's Copa Argentina exhibition (December 15-18).

Recovery Update

2011-11-01T12:36:00.001-03:00

Apparently, previous reports that David would be able to begin practising on clay already this week were a bit too optimistic (or perhaps, they were based on a misunderstanding). According to a new article published by Clarin today, David started training again yesterday - but right now, it's only physical training. Until, if all goes well with that, he'll start practicing on clay next week in Buenos Aires (source).

While David is once more on the recovery trail, the Spanish federation RFET has released a first computer-generated image of the projected court, stands and roof to be erected at Sevilla's La Cartuja stadium. The removable construction (estimated to cost around €430.000) will differ slightly from the one used back in 2004 in order to increase visibility from all sides and seats.

(RFET)

As mentioned in the previous update, Tito Vázquez and Caio Rivera visited Sevilla and La Cartuja last weekend. Here's the captain's verdict on the plans of the RFET and the Spanish team:

Spain has chosen well. Apart from playing on clay they've gone for a court that's not enclosed but outdoors, though with a roof. That favours their players so they're the favourites.
The Davis Cup still owes one to Argentina. Spain, as the home team, is obviously the favourite but we beat Serbia in Belgrade. And the Spanish team will surely be very grateful for it because otherwise they would've had to play the final there [against Serbia in Belgrade]. (Source.)

By now, Vázquez and Rivera have travelled on to Valencia for the planned team meeting - that's now going to take place without David.

Back to the Present (and the very near Future)

2011-10-29T06:17:00.002-03:00

(RFET)

Update (31/10)
It's Monday, time to have a look at the rankings. David remains at #57 for the moment before next week, his quarterfinal points from Basel last year will come off.

Meanwhile, Tito Vázquez and Caio Rivera visited the stadium in Sevilla. As you can see, it's still in its original state, without the roof and without the court - but not for much longer.

After delivering the bad news about next year, I'm now going to focus on the present again. And on what's still ahead this year, 34 days from now to be precise - the Davis Cup final in Sevilla.
At the moment, David is back home in Unquillo, taking a break and recovering from his hamstring strain. If all goes well he'll begin with his training on clay as early as next week (source).
In the meantime, here's a first look at what's ahead, a little over a month from now...

(sevilla.org)

In a recent interview with the Spanish news agency EFE, David was asked whether he felt daunted by the prospect of facing the Spanish team, supported by a crowd of 25.000.
By now, the official numbers are out and according to those, David and the others will be playing in front of 22.121 people at Sevilla's Estadio Olimpico, also known as La Cartuja, the "Carthusian monastery". Whether that's a fitting name, well, that decision I'm going to leave to you.

Who exactly is going to be nominated for the final - theoretically, both team captains still have a few days left until they have to officially announce their team nominations. And often enough, those are kept secret until the very last minute. In this case, however, both captains have already let it be known that they're planning to nominate everyone who has made an appearance for their team in Davis Cup this season, all those players who have made this final possible. Which means that both Tito Vázquez and Spain's captain Albert Costa are going to nominate the maximum number of five players for their respective teams:

Argentina
David, Juan Martin Del Potro, Juan Monaco, Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank

Spain
Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez, Fernando Verdasco and Marcel Granollers

Speaking of Tito Vázquez, in a recent interview he stressed the importance of winning the first rubber in the final, said that Juan Martin Del Potro isn't ready to play on all three days and acknowledged David's role as a "pillar of strength" for the team, having played on all three days on numerous occasions in the past - but things are "a lot more complicated now". Talking about his preparations for the final in that interview, Vázquez not only gave his take on David's decision to skip Valencia, his reply also offers a clue as to why it was part of David's schedule (instead of Basel) in the first place.

Q: It's a little over a month until the final. That can be a lot of time or little of it, depending on how you look at it. Do you already have an idea how you're going to form the team?

Tito Vázquez: Since I took over as captain there have always been injury problems with the players. And I've heard that Nalbandian won't play in Valencia next week, that he's saving himself for playing Davis Cup. On the one hand that's exceptional for us. But on the other hand it's worrying that he's injured so much. So I'm not going to make any projections. My assistant Caio Rivera and me, we're travelling to Sevilla on Friday [i.e. yesterday] to see the logistics of the place, the construction of the court, the hotel, the distance to the venue and to plan the tie. After that we're going to Valencia to meet up with the players and make plans for the [Davis] Cup.

Juan Martin Del Potro, Juan Monaco and Juan Ignacio Chela are all going to be at Valencia - and David would've been there as well, if it wasn't for his injury. In other words, it was planned as a team meeting. When David is going to join the others now remains to be seen.

Finally, and on a non-Davis Cup related note, here's the updated list of players for this year's Copa Argentina (December 15-18). David will be joined by Juan Monaco, Marcos Baghdatis, Gael Monfils and James Blake.

Fue Buena: 2012 David's Last Season

2011-10-25T17:05:00.000-03:00

You may remember the Argentine Fue Buena blog I've often used as a source of info. Over the years, I've come to appreciate it as one of the most reliable Argentine sources - if not the most reliable one. And the same goes for the journalist behind that blog, Jorge Viale.
The same Jorge Viale who, before the US Open, wrote a detailed analysis of David's situation and the impact of his injuries on his career, including his ability to train properly.

Last night, in a new post for Fue Buena, he wrote about David's latest injury and the tests in Barcelona, which showed that the strain in his left hamstring isn't too bad as such but, according to Dr. Ruiz-Cotorro, "it's in a dangerous place and must be treated like a tear". Adding that David will get some rest at home in Unquillo now before beginning with his preparations on clay.

But the big news, the "surreptitious bomb" from David that he was going to drop, he reserved for the last paragraph:

Nalbandian knows that no matter how difficult the final will be he still has two chances of fulfilling his great dream. One is Sevilla in December, the other will begin in Germany in 2012, the year which will be his last one as a professional tennis player.

Coming from another site, from another source I'd probably take news like this with a grain of salt. Also because David's own estimate of how much longer he'll play on the Tour has always varied, depending on how well he was doing at the time he was asked. But coming from Viale and Fue Buena, and also coming at the end of this season, David's first since 2005 without a title and one during which he was only able to play a total of 34 matches... Maybe it's time to realise that 2012 will indeed be the last we'll get to see of David.

David out of Valencia, Return at the Davis Cup Final

2011-10-24T14:02:00.001-03:00

Finally, there is news. But it's not good news...
Here's the article, fresh in from the Argentine news agency Telam:

David Nalbandian has decided not to play any further tournaments this year in order to recover from a strained left hamstring and to prepare for the Davis Cup final in the best possible way.

This is what his spokesman Bernardo Ballero told Telam.

After a series of tests in Barcelona with his personal doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro it was found that David Nalbandian has suffered a strain in his left hamstring.

Therefore the player and his team have decided that it's better for him not to contest the Valencia Open 500 next week.

Nalbandian suffered the injury competing at the If Stockholm Open, playing against the Croat Ivan Dodig and because of it he had to withdraw from that tournament and also from the St. Petersburg Open this week.

Nalbandian is scheduled to return to Argentina, in order to continue his rehabilitation and also to train on clay for playing the Davis Cup final in Sevilla, on December 2-4.

"I'm very sad about what has happened to me. I was playing at a high level but as a precaution we have decided not to take any risks to be in top condition for the Davis Cup," David said.

Injury Update

2011-10-22T07:12:00.000-03:00

Update (24/10)
David arrived in Barcelona already on Saturday (source) but so far - no news.

Meanwhile, a look at the rankings: David is ranked #57 this week, he has moved up one position but his number of ranking points has remained the same - 850. A consequence of his status as a commitment player, which allows only his best two results at 250 events to be counted. Therefore, David's 45 quarterfinal points from Stockholm have now replaced his 45 quarterfinal points from Buenos Aires, leaving his overall number of ranking points unchanged.
- For the moment. In the coming weeks, he'll drop his points from Basel and the Paris Masters last year, 135 in total.

David's quarterfinal match against James Blake was only minutes away yesterday when the bad news came. News of another muscular injury, initially described as a strained left hamstring, forcing David to pull out of Stockholm and also St. Petersburg. Situations like that usually lead to a certain amount of chaos, with lots of often enough conflicting tweets and articles. And only after the dust has settled a bit you get to see a clearer picture. So now, on the day after, here's a summary of what is known about David's injury, withdrawal and further plans - at this point in time.
I'll start with a chronology of events as they unfurled at Stockholm yesterday.

At 5.30pm local, an hour before the match, David took to the training court to warm up. But after 20 minutes on court he left again, accompanied by the tournament doctor. Another 20 minutes later, at 6.10pm, the news first came of David's withdrawal.
- As witnessed by Denise, VamosDavider on site (thanks again, also for the photos). She was also able to confirm that the Clarin article, which I quoted only briefly yesterday, contains the information exactly as it was provided by Claudio Galasso and Diego Rodriguez, David's physio and kinesiologist.

Namely that David suffered a "light muscular problem" in his left hamstring during the match against Ivan Dodig on Thursday (when exactly during that match isn't clear). It appeared again the following morning, i.e. yesterday. The muscular problem itself was described by David's team as "nothing serious". But with the Davis Cup final only a little more than a month away, the decision was made for David to consult Dr. Angel Ruiz-Cotorro in Barcelona, "to conduct tests and to rule out any bigger complications".

Or in the words of the latest press release on David's official site, "David will travel to Barcelona this weekend to see his personal doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro and to consider the next steps together with him". It also includes a first statement from David:

I'm very sad about having to deal with this new injury and about having to withdraw from the tournament in Stockholm. I've been playing at a high level, with two good wins. But thinking about what's ahead, my team and I, we believe that the best thing is to stop and not take risks. I hope that I'll be able to recover quickly and that I can continue with my preparation in order to get in the best shape for the Davis Cup final.

The press release adds that "for now", David's plan is to make an appearance at Valencia.
Whether that's going to be possible and exactly what this new injury is - I'll keep you posted.

Stockholm QF - David vs James Blake

2011-10-21T09:27:00.001-03:00

(Getty Images; montage by VD)

Update
David has withdrawn from his match against James Blake due to an injury (thanks, Denise).
This has also been confirmed via the tournament site's Twitter.
Edit: A strained left hamstring, suffered during yesterday's match against Dodig is the reason for David's withdrawal.
Edit: David has also pulled out of St. Petersburg. Instead he'll travel to Barcelona to see his doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro (source: Clarin).

The last time David and James Blake met, in the second round at Washington in August, it was the meeting of two former champions at that particular event. Today, two and a half months later, the same can be said about their quarterfinal encounter at Stockholm: David won the title in 2008, Blake in 2005 and 2006.

James Blake, ranked #69 this week, took a bit of a break after the US Open (where he went out in the second round against David Ferrer) and he has played only one tournament since then, the Sacramento Challenger, where he lost in the final to Ivo Karlovic. Still, he has had two pretty straightforward wins this week, against Olivier Rochus and also against Juan Martin Del Potro, preventing the duel of the Davis Cup teammates.

David has played two matches against James Blake so far (Shanghai Masters Cup 2006 and Washington this year) and he lost both rather comfortably, never getting close to taking as much as a set. With Blake successfully attacking David's second serve and more often than not dictating the rallies with his forehand. Therefore, David will have to serve well again today to keep Blake from breaking him as regularly as he did in their previous matches. And he'll also have to be ready for more speed and firepower during the rallies.

In other news: As usual, David will finish his season at the Copa Argentina exhibition at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tenis Club (December 15-18). The two other players confirmed for the event so far are Feliciano Lopez and - James Blake.

Stockholm R2 - David Dispatches Dodig

2011-10-21T05:47:00.002-03:00

(Highlights by Noubar - thanks.)

Posting impressive numbers, also in terms of his serve, David cruised to what's been his easiest victory in a while now, dispatching Ivan Dodig 6-1, 6-1 in merely 58 minutes. In today's quarterfinal match against James Blake, however, David will face an opponent who has presented himself in fine form too. And one he hasn't managed to beat before.

(photo by Denise Yoko Berndt)

Initially, it didn't necessarily look like this match would be as one-sided as it turned out to be. David seemed to be catching another slow start and faced a break point in the very first game of the match. But it would remain the only break point against him. And after breaking Dodig in the second game (helped by some errors from the Croat), David began to pick up steam. In this context, commentators like to talk about the best shots of a player as indicators of his form. But another indicator are those shots that don't work often enough, in David's case the running forehand - and it did work yesterday. In general, David moved a lot better than he did on Tuesday, seemed much more agile and had therefore enough time to set up his shots.
At 3-0, David broke serve again, after Dodig had already been up 40-0, showing his determination not to give away any ground in this match. Dodig was able to avoid the bagel, holding serve for 5-1 but then David comfortably closed out the match, converting his first set point with an ace.

At the start of the second set, Dodig managed to hold serve again, getting his second and last game of the match. After that, and if that's at all possible, David even more in control of the match than during the first set, using this position for a display of his best shots and favourite combinations. Watching it, you could almost get the impression that he was trying out how perfectly he could play those combinations like for example the backhand approach down the line, followed up by some of the great volleys and drop-shots (and lobs) he played in this match. David was cruising and occasionally showboating a little, getting "aahs" and "oohs" from the crowd. He broke Dodig three further times during this set, including a last time when Dodig served to save the match, converting his first match point with a return winner.

(Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images)

It's not often that you get to see David as dominant and as comfortable on serve as he was in this match. Making a respectable 65% of first serves and dropping only 3 points on his first serve in the whole match (while winning 62% of his second serves). The Stockholm scoreboard showed 33 winners for David and only 6 unforced errors - which does seem a bit too low, as far as I'm concerned. Still, it was a very clean match from David, the complete opposite of his performance against Malisse. A highly enjoyable match for those who got to see it - but also for David, himself, against an opponent who was unable to put him under any kind of pressure.
Whether David will be able to build on this match and his performance - we'll find out tonight.

Stockholm R2 - David vs Ivan Dodig

2011-10-20T09:42:00.001-03:00

Update
After all the drama on Tuesday against Malisse, David put in a clinical performance today and it took him less than an hour to brush aside seventh seed Ivan Dodig 6-1, 6-1.
In tomorrow's quarterfinal, he'll now get to face James Blake (who defeated Juan Martin Del Potro). It'll be their third encounter and perhaps David's chance to get his first win over Blake.

Recording available now via David on Screen, the rest tomorrow...

Two weeks ago to the day, David played his second-round match at Tokyo against Ivan Dodig.
Today he'll play his second-round match at Stockholm - and again his opponent will be Ivan Dodig.
As it's only been two weeks since they met at Tokyo, where David prevailed 7-6(2), 6-2, I'm going to do things a little differently this time. I'll leave you with Andvari's (thanks!) highlights clip of their match at Tokyo and a brief look at David's preparations for the second edition tonight...

Stockholm R2 - David Saves Match Points to Overcome Malisse

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-03:00

(Highlights by Andvari - thanks)

It’s been a few years since David last appeared in Stockholm. Back then, I remember David showing a masterclass of fine ballstriking on a fast indoor court. Awesome reflexes taking the ball early on the baseline, and showing a great ability to change directions with ease. Returning to the scene of glory, one would have thought that David might have come back with good memories, but instead he played a match much unlike that run in 2008. David needed to save two match points, before overcoming Xavier Malisse 4-6 7-6(8) 7-6(3).

Statistically David had about double the unforced errors that Malisse did for most of the match, only finally improving towards the end. Regardless of whether the ball was going in or not, he didn’t seem to have much control over the timing of his shots or where he was hitting the ball. He often caught the ball a fraction late, and he was rarely able to raise his level in the first two sets.

He handed over his first service game of the match with a double fault, and three errors. Malisse started the match poorly himself, handing back the break at 2-1. There was speculation that the standard of tennis, was because of all the distracting background noise going on in the crowd. I’m not sure whether that was the case. But Malisse ended up breaking David’s serve from 40-0 up, with a half-hearted dropshot return. Then out of nowhere, he hit a few flashy winners.

(Photo taken by Denise Yoko Berndt - thanks)

Considering that David was struggling with returning Malisse’s serve quite frequently, this was enough for Malisse to hold onto the set. There was one game in the match where Malisse served 4 straight aces to win a service game! Though David’s average baseline play also contributed to the difficulty which he faced this match. The one bright area in David’s game today were his volleys, in particular the backhand volleys. I guess they probably made up most of the highlight reel material.

The longer the match went on, the more he became frustrated, signaling at himself and talking to himself, perhaps giving mental pointers to himself on what he could do better, except never really being able to pull it off. It became a running dialogue. Hopefully, in the next round, he is able to make more of an adjustment to the speed of the court.

David briefly went up a break in the second set to go up 4-2, before playing horribly and handing it straight back in the next service game. It’s a bit hard to describe the majority of this match, because there were a lot of uninspiring rallies, where each point looked relatively similar to the eye.

David had a set point at 6-5 in the second set. It seemed like the perfect opportunity, considering that Malisse was losing his temper, but he put it to good use on serve with a service winner and two aces to take the set into a tie-break. In the tie-break, Malisse got up to a 5-2 lead (and somewhere before that, David threw his racquet for the first time in ages). David hadn’t strung many points together, but match points down, David struck the ball cleanly and refused to give Malisse a cheap point. It sure was good timing for David to come up with his best tennis in the match, on those match points down.

He then went on to play a few excellent games to get up an early break. Suddenly his forehand was much more aggressive and working better. Still, after a brief hot streak, the match went back to more of both players slapping away at the ball again, also showing some signs of tiredness. David couldn’t close it out serving for the match. In fact, he played quite poorly. But fortunately, just like the second set, he had a few good points in him in the tie-break and that was the crucial difference.

Stockholm R1 - David vs Xavier Malisse

2011-10-18T04:21:00.001-03:00

Update
After two hours and 41 minutes, after saving two match points in the second-set tiebreak and getting broken when serving for the match in the third David eventually managed to overcome Xavier Malisse 4-6, 7-6(8), 7-6(3).
In the second round on Thursday, he'll now face Ivan Dodig - again.

For some reason there seem to be no agency pics of this match (or Stockholm in general). Therefore I've now put up a few screencaps I took towards the end of the match. You'll find them on the Photo Page.
Recording now available via David on Screen.

(Reuters/Getty Images; montage by VD)

These days, David mostly gets to face players who are younger than him and haven't spent as many years on the Tour as he has by now. Today's match, however, is one of the exceptions. Xavier Malisse, 31 years old, turned pro the year David won his US Open juniors title, all the way back in 1998.

Malisse, ranked #51 as of this week, has had his share of injury troubles and pauses in the past but this year he has been able to play a regular season, with the final he reached at Chennai and a semifinal at s' Hertogenbosch as his best results. At the same time, he also won two titles this year, at Los Angeles and Indian Wells - but in doubles (his current doubles ranking: #30).
Malisse has been playing indoors since the US Open, with appearances in Davis Cup (lost to Haider-Maurer), at Metz (where he retired in his quarterfinal match) and at his home tournament, the Challenger in Mons, Belgium. There, he went out in the second round against Alejandro Falla. Still, Malisse is known for being unpredictable with his form - and for his tantrums on court.

Today's match is going to be the sixth encounter between David and Xavier Malisse. It's also the first time they meet since Miami 2008, where David lost to Malisse after having won their four previous matches. Malisse likes to play aggressively, especially with his forehand, and he is, not surprisingly for a good doubles player, also one for attacking at the net. A type of player David usually does well against. And hopefully, he will do so again today.
One more thing - I won't be able to be here for the match so Krystle will be in charge of VD.

Stockholm Draw

2011-10-15T11:51:00.001-03:00

Update (17/10)
Despite having gained 45 points at Shanghai, David loses one place and is now ranked #58.
As his name is not on the schedule of play for today, he'll play his first match at Stockholm on Tuesday.

Initially, David was supposed to get a wildcard for this tournament. But in the end, due to withdrawals from other players (Söderling and Mayer) and the clearing of the Special Exempts, he has made it into the main draw without needing a wildcard.

So here it is, David's draw for his first event of this year's indoor swing.
He finds himself in the bottom, i.e. Juan Martin Del Potro's half, which looks like this:

[8] Tommy Robredo (ESP) vs [Q] Tobias Kamke (GER)
[WC] Michael Ryderstedt (SWE) vs [Q] Sebastian Rieschick (GER)
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) vs [Q] Marius Copil (ROU)
BYE vs [3] Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)

[7] Ivan Dodig (CRO) vs Adrian Mannarino (FRA)
David Nalbandian (ARG) vs Xavier Malisse (BEL)
James Blake (USA) vs Olivier Rochus (BEL)
BYE vs [2] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)

A look at the complete draw you can take here.

Xavier Malisse, 31 years old by now and ranked #50, was one of the players David beat on his way to the Wimbledon final 2002 (the last one, actually; they met in the semifinal). That victory was the first of four consecutive wins David had over Malisse, including matches at three different Slams and on grass, hardcourt and clay. The last time they met however, at Miami 2008, Malisse managed to beat David for the first time.
If David can return to his winning ways against Malisse, in the second round it'll be one of two very different, possible scenarios for him. And facing either someone he has only just played against and defeated, seventh seed Ivan Dodig, or someone he has never met before, Adrian Mannarino.
And then, in a hypothetical quarterfinal, we could get the all-Argentine duel, David against Juan Martin Del Potro. It would be their fifth encounter (match record: 3-1 for David) and the fifth one indoors.
But first of all, the "battle of the veterans" - David against Xavier Malisse.

A Look ahead at the Indoor Swing

2011-10-12T18:14:00.003-03:00

Or rather, a look ahead at the selection of indoor events that David will play this year. Notable for including tournaments he has never played before (and seemed highly unlikely to play). But notable also for those events that are missing. First of all Basel, for many long years the number one constant with David's schedule-making. But also the Paris Masters... In a recent interview with the Spanish news agency EFE, David talked, of course, mostly about the upcoming Davis Cup final (Edit: you can now read it here). But he also talked about his plans for the coming weeks and the indoor swing. And the tournaments he mentioned were the three, listed below. No mention of the Paris Masters.
So, it's a very different indoor swing for David and for us this year. Here's what's ahead.

If Stockholm Open 250 (October 17-23)

(tournament website)

Stockholm is the only event of the three that David has played before. In 2008, his first appearance at Stockholm ended with him, winning the title. David's second visit was a success as well, the Davis Cup "rescue mission" he went on last year and which saw him clinching the tie for Argentina in the fifth rubber. Back then, the court at the Kungliga Tennishallen was still green and the lighting a lot less dramatic than what the organisers have come up with in the meantime. So it's a place of good memories for David but one that looks (and also plays) differently from what he knows.
Edit: Robin Söderling is officially out. David is in the main draw without needing a wildcard.
Also on the entry list: Stanislas Wawrinka andDavid's teammates Juan Martin Del Potro and Juan Ignacio Chela. Edit: Florian Mayer has withdrawn.
The draw for Stockholm will be pulled on Saturday, at 3pm local (CET).

St. Petersburg Open 250 (October 24-30)

(Wikipedia)

All that David has seen of Russia so far has been Moscow. He played the Kremlin Cup twice, back in the very early days of his career (2001/2) and he also played altogether three Davis Cup away ties in Moscow (the last one was last year's quarterfinal). But St. Petersburg is a completely new territory for David (and also for myself, as I have to admit). Out of the three events that he's going to play, this one has the easiest field by some margin. Therefore, it could be David's chance to do something about the fact that he hasn't managed to win a title so far this year. And perhaps, that's also why he chose it.
On the entry list: Gilles Simon, Janko Tipsarevic, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Marin Cilic, Marcel Granollers

Valencia Open 500 (October 31- November 6)

(Getty Images)

Out of all tournaments on the ATP Tour this is one I never thought I'd get to see David play. For the simple reason that it takes place during the same week as Basel. And David absolutely always played Basel - until now. This time, David chose Valencia instead and playing at what's perhaps the most adventurous of all tournament venues, the Ágora, a "multifunctional covered space" of 80 metres height. But what made David replace Basel with Valencia? Two reasons, probably. One is that he wants to get as many matches as possible and the field at Valencia isn't as strong as it is at Basel. The other reason could very well be that the surface at Valencia is famous for being extremely slow and therefore closer to the conditions of playing on clay.
On the entry list: David Ferrer, Robin Söderling, Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon.

Shanghai R2 - Mayer outfoxes David

2011-10-11T11:14:00.002-03:00

(Highlights by Andvari - thanks)

(Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

Usually when David plays his matches, he likes to have the upper hand. He likes controlling rallies, and clearly knowing in his mind how he needs to construct his points. It’s rare to see David completely lost on court like this, and he struggled to find the rhythm that he usually likes in a 6-3 6-4 loss to Florian Mayer, one of the trickiest players on tour.

It didn’t help serving 2 double faults in the first game, and that allowed Mayer off to get to a good start. David made his intentions clear, he was going to play aggressively, and so was Mayer. Who would get the upper hand? Mayer was the more committed of the two, to play the kind of tennis that would get his opponent off-balance, and he threw everything into trying to make this happen. His shot selections were adventurous. He was all over the court, jumping, lunging, taking the ball early on the return, sneaking into the net and occasionally throwing in a bit of serve and volley. His angles particularly off the forehand were a big weapon and he was continually able to ruin David's attempts at controlling rallies, with good defense, then with the ability to change that back into offense. He was on fire in the first set up until 5-2 in the first set. Most of the time, David didn’t even have the chance to make the error, so he didn’t have the chance to find any rhythm either. In the first set, David only won 23% of points on second serve.

It was a lot of pressure for David’s second serve to withstand, and also a lot of pressure in the baseline rallies. Normally David has a better idea of what to expect, and he can use his anticipation as a better weapon than what he did today. Without the anticipation, and without being able to anticipate the changes of pace, David’s deteriorating movement made it quite difficult for him to be competitive in these rallies, and also put him on the defensive more often than he’d like. Mayer, on the other hand, read David’s play quite well, especially at the net winning 16 out of 17 points, sometimes off poor dropshots or approach shots where he realistically could have been passed.

The entire match, it was a continuing battle for David to try to control the points, and to keep them in control. Often he’d move the ball around from side to side a few times, but Mayer’s lunging backhand and forehand slices always got him back into the points, making it impossible for David to hit winners against him. Sometimes he’d try hard to find his way into the net, but the match was not played on his terms.

In the first set up to 5-2, Mayer was playing a perfectly aggressive match with hardly any errors. Then he played a poor game at 5-2 serving for the set, and David made some good returns off second serves to break back to 5-3.

David’s horrible service game following that to lose the set 6-3, kind of sums up the rest of the match. He wasn’t really playing well enough to make the most of Mayer’s level going down after 5-2 in the first set. Mayer didn’t play badly in the second set. But he was more generous with his unforced errors, more up and down in terms of performance, and not as energetic in general. The second set in general was relatively even until it reached the closing stages. It featured fewer rallies, was more patchy, and more reliant on the outcome of the serve.

David had his opportunities at 4-4 in the second set. Mayer made a few cheap errors, and gave David the opportunity to finish off a short ball that only just made it over the net. It was an amateur shot, but David missed it long. After not converting that crucial game, David lost his serve fairly comfortably and poorly. Apart from that 4-4 game, another area that David could have improved in was in the returning department, where he missed plenty of returns just like in the Gulbis match. He also didn’t hit many backhand winners, but I think that partly had something to do with how he seemed to be moving from side-to-side all the time, rather than being camped on the backhand side.

Shanghai R2 - David vs Florian Mayer

2011-10-10T19:22:00.000-03:00

UpdateII (11/10)
Yesterday, David got away with not playing too well - but not today. After only 74 minutes, Florian Mayer easily prevailed 6-3, 6-4.
David's next tournament will now be Stockholm, starting next Monday.
Edit: And according to his official site he'll be on his way to Sweden right away.

More soon...

(Reuters/dapd; montage by VD)

Update (11/10)
4.20pm local - the first match on Stadium court has just finished. Up next: David and Mayer.

Tennis writers, bloggers and especially the fans on the big forums like to label players, putting them into different categories. Whether it's ball-bashers, grinders, counter-punchers or serve monsters. But there are players who defy such categorisations. One of them is Florian Mayer.

The fifteenth seed at this event and currently #23 in the ranking, Mayer is having the best season of his career. Winning his first ever title at Bucharest last month and making the final at Munich, earlier this year. But Mayer's game doesn't just work on clay: The two semis and five quarterfinals he reached this season also include tournaments on hardcourt and grass.

David and Mayer have met twice before and David won both matches very easily. But almost six years have gone by since the last one (at Basel 2005). And in case David doesn't remember these matches, or Mayer, he could be in for a surprise. Florian Mayer likes to make use of the whole dimensions of the court and to this end he employs a wide range of shots, whether angled, with slice (also off the forehand wing), drop-shots and lobs or a bit of serve and volley. But he can also create pace on his groundstrokes and he likes to go up the lines.
What the rallies in this match will look like is going to depend on whether David can manage to impose his game on Mayer, whether he can keep him busy and on the back foot. If not then David will find himself covering a lot of ground, trying to chase down Mayer's shots, including the drop-shots he loves to play.
Upon special request, this match will be covered by Krystle, VD's resident Florian Mayer expert.

Shanghai R1: The Importance of Beating Ernests

2011-10-10T07:30:00.000-03:00

(Highlights by Andvari - thanks.)

This match surely won't be making it into any highlights collection of David's 2011 season...
But although he didn't play very well for the most part of it, he found a way of winning it in straights, securing a 7-5, 6-4 victory after an hour and 33 minutes - and a combined total of 69 unforced errors and 12 double faults from both players.
Next up for David is now someone with a very different kind of game, fifteenth seed Florian Mayer. David won both of their two previous encounters but it's been six years since their last match.

Update
David's TTV post-match interview you can watch here.
And it's official, David will accept a wildcard for St. Petersburg (October 24-30).

(Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

After a slow start from both, at 2-2 Gulbis gifted David the first break with some unforced errors and a couple of double faults, the second of which came on break point. Up 4-3, however, David returned the favour with an equally poor service game, also including a double fault on break point. Gulbis held for 5-4 and then had two set points in the following game. But David was able to rely on his first serve at this moment and he saved both. At 5-5 Gulbis dropped his serve again, once more double-faulting on break point before David easily closed out the set, converting his first set point with an ace.

In the second set as well, David broke serve at 2-2. And he played better in this set, making less unforced errors and serving no further double faults. He didn't manage to get the double break, despite Gulbis' still rather erratic performance. But David carried the break through the set without facing any further break points and eventually served out the match to love.

Unlike in his previous match against Murray, David chose to play mostly from the baseline. An approach that worked quite well, since he was practically guarenteed an error from Gulbis, as long as he kept the ball inside the court for a few shots. Those altogether 43 unforced errors from Gulbis (and his 9 double faults, two of them to surrender his serve) helped making things a lot easier for David. But at the same time he managed to clean up his game in the second set (8 unforced errors, compared to 18 in the first set) and he also served much better during it.
And occasionally, he displayed some great technique on the ball...

(Alexander F. Yuan/AP Photo)

Shanghai R1 - David vs Ernests Gulbis

2011-10-09T14:38:00.000-03:00

Update (10/10)
It wasn't pretty but the important thing is that he got the win in the end. After an hour and 33 minutes, David prevailed 7-5, 6-4 over Ernests Gulbis. In the second round, his opponent will be fifteenth seed Florian Mayer.

Recording available via David on Screen. And a couple of pics from the match on the Photo Page.

More soon...

(Getty Images; montage by VD)

It's been five years since David's last visit to Shanghai and the Qi Zhong stadium. But he has obviously not been forgotten in Shanghai. Not only has he received a wildcard (the only one that didn't go to a Chinese player), he also gets to play his first match, his 'welcome back match' if you will on Stadium court, where he achieved the biggest triumph of his career. And he gets to play it against someone who's just as unpredictable as David himself can be, sometimes.

Ernests Gulbis is a talented player - but also a highly inconsistent one. His best tennis this year he displayed at Los Angeles where he won the title, beating Mardy Fish in the final. Since then he hasn't managed to go deep anywhere and at his last two events (Bangkok and Tokyo) he went out in the first round. But then again, with Gulbis you never really know.

What is known, however, is that David won their only enounter so far, back in 2008 at Indian Wells. Though it was a very tight affair, with David prevailing in a third-set tiebreak. Since then they haven't played an official match but they've trained together. And Gulbis will surely get some tips on how to play against David from his coach Guillermo Cañas. For David on the other hand, this actually shouldn't be a bad match up as he usually does well against big hitters. Gulbis also has a big serve but that too tends to be inconsistent. And hopefully David will be able to make use of those opportunities he'll get.

Edit (10/10)

(AP Photo)

Here's David's terracotta warrior on display along with the others of former Shanghai Masters Cup and Masters champions, outside of Qi Zhong stadium.

Can you guess who is supposed to be who?

Shanghai Draw

2011-10-08T05:20:00.003-03:00

Here's David's draw for next week's Masters event in Shanghai. He has been drawn into the top half, top quarter, which (after Djokovic's withdrawal) belongs to Rafael Nadal:

[1] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs BYE
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) vs Somdev Devvarman (IND)
Ernests Gulbis (LAT) vs [WC] David Nalbandian (ARG)
Fabio Fognini (ITA) vs [15] Florian Mayer (GER)
[9] Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) vs Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
Alex Bogomolov Jr. (USA) vs Marcel Granollers (ESP)
[WC] Ze Zhang (CHN) Radek Stepanek (CZE)
BYE vs [6] Tomas Berdych (CZE)

Complete draw here.

In his first Masters (and not Masters Cup) match at Shanghai, David gets to face Ernests Gulbis, ranked #49 this week. It'll be the second encounter between these two but it's been a while since the first one. That took place at Indian Wells 2008, a tightly contested match, which David eventually won in a third-set tiebreak. They haven't played since then but they've trained together and David will know what to expect. But the same goes for Gulbis, whose coach Guillermo Cañas knows a thing or two about David and his game, having been his Davis Cup teammate, doubles partner and also having beaten him, before.
In the second round David could then meet either Fabio Fognini (#39) or fifteenth seed Florian Mayer (#22). He has a 2-0 match record against both of them, though in Mayer's case six years have passed since their last meeting. Whereas Fognini was David's opponent in the first match he played and won this season, at Auckland.
Afterwards in the third round, just like at Tokyo, it could then be time for another big test - against the top seed Rafael Nadal. And regardless of the outcome, I guess David wouldn't mind another chance to play against Nadal ahead of the Davis Cup final in Sevilla (confirmed now by the ITF).

Sayonara Tokyo... David Loses to Murray

2011-10-07T17:27:00.001-03:00

(Reuters)

It was David's second match against Andy Murray within two months and the second defeat. But unlike the one at Cincy, today's defeat was not a bad one. David played a good match - but Murray was simply better.

After holding serve easily at the beginning of the match, David surrendered his serve in the course of the first long service game, after having had game points and eventually on two double faults in a row (for 3-2 Murray). And as Murray proved unassailable on serve in the first set he had no difficulties taking it 6-4.

After staying on serve in the second set until 3-3 David lost his serve again, this time due to a series of unforced errors. He fought back in the following game and finally (and practically out of nowhere) managed to get the re-break, levelling the score at 4-4. But only to lose his serve again, granting Murray the chance to serve for the match. Murray had (and wasted) a match point and then surrendered his serve again, 5-5. But once again David was unable to gain the lead, making too many unforced errors and eventually losing his serve for the third time in a row. And this time, up 6-5, Murray served out the match to love.

David's strategy in this match grew clear early on. From the start he tried to keep the points short, trying to avoid getting caught up in long baseline rallies. He kept attacking at the net, whether behind approach shots (preferably aimed at Murray's forehand) or whenever he managed to push Murray far enough behind the baseline during the rally. A strategy that involved playing aggressively and taking a lot of risks, including making a lot of unforced errors (and he did) and getting lobbed or passed. But still more promising than to engage in endless, tiring baseline exchanges against a physically stronger opponent. For the most part, David executed this strategy very well today and he stayed true to it until the end.
But the problem was once again the serve, David's - but also Murray's. In the first set, David won a total of three points on Murray's serve. And by the time he finally managed to challenge Murray on serve he was also no longer able to hold his own, with especially his second serve too vulnerable against someone who returns as well as Murray. Still, all in all a good (and entertaining) match from David against a difficult opponent.

So it's sayonara Tokyo. And 90 ranking points for David, which will see him move up from #64 to around #57 next week. Next up for him now is the Shanghai Masters, for which he'll apparently receive a wildcard. The draw will be available tomorrow.

(EFE)

Tokyo QF - David vs Andy Murray

2011-10-06T20:16:00.001-03:00

(AP Photo)

UpdateII (07/10)
It was a lot closer than the last time around but in the end, it wasn't enough. After an hour and 39 minutes, and some very entertaining tennis, it was Andy Murray, who prevailed 6-4, 7-5.

David will now head on to Shanghai for next week's Masters event.

Recording now available via David on Screen.

More soon...

(AP Photo/Reuters; montage by VD)

Update (07/10)
7pm local - Ferrer has just defeated Stepanek. Next up now: David and Andy Murray.

After an easy first round and a slightly more difficult second round, in the quarterfinal the time has now come for the big test - in form of Andy Murray (#4), the second seed at this event, who arrived in Tokyo straight after winning the title at Bangkok last week. And whose self-professed goal (as he has already qualified for the World Tour Final) now is to take the #3 spot from Roger Federer.

During the interview after his match against Dodig, David was asked about Murray, you've probably seen it. And the first thing that came to his mind was that they've met many times before and know each other's games. Actually, this will only be their sixth encounter since the first one back in 2005 (David won the first two, Murray the last three). But I guess the memory of the last one is still fresh and not just in my mind.

Exactly 50 days have gone by since David's last match against Andy Murray. It took place in the second round at Cincy - and it wasn't pretty. From the baseline David was more than able to keep with Murray and he broke him three times. But since he only managed to hold serve twice in the entire match he ended up getting merely five games. In short, David will get his chances, in the rallies and the return games. But most of all he'll have to serve well - or he'll pay the price again.

Tokyo R2: David Downs Dodig

2011-10-06T13:43:00.000-03:00

This match could've ended differently - with a 6-4, 6-1 win for David. In the end, after an hour and 55 minutes, it ended with a 7-6(2), 6-2 win for David over Ivan Dodig. After some extra time in both the first and the second set... In tomorrow's quarterfinal, David's opponent will now be the second seed Andy Murray (who turned the match record around in his favour at Cincy and now leads 3-2).

Once more, David caught a good start and went up an early break (for 2-1). But he surrendered it again immediately afterwards with a sloppy, error-riddled service game. Still, he continued to have his chances on Dodig's serve and managed to break again to go up 4-3. At 5-4, David served for the set but a couple of great points from Dodig (and David's inability to get a first serve in) led to another re-break. The eventual tiebreak however saw David back on track and completely dominant, converting his first set point to take it 7-6(2).

Early on in the second set, there was a bit of drama again but this time of a different kind. After squandering a chance to break in the second game, David started swearing loudly and then took out his frustration on a banner (pic), which earned him a code violation. But after that he found his focus again quickly (which is not always the case), growing more and more dominant especially during his return games. David broke Dodig twice, he was fairly solid on his own serve and didn't face any further break points until at 5-1 he was able to serve for the match. After wasting a match point with a double fault, David lost his serve again - on another double fault. Before finally closing out the match in the following return game, on his altogether fourth match point.

This is the kind of match that can look spectacular in a highlights video - because it had a number of very entertaining rallies. As well as some great points from David, including everything from blistering groundstroke winners to deft touch at the net. What the highlights clip wouldn't show is that this match also saw a lot of unforced errors, and more from David than from Dodig. Still, overall it was a good match that David played today - except for his attempts to close out the first set and then later the match. And even though he got away with it, this time. But also generally speaking, David's serve wasn't exactly impressive today (49% first serves), making this match more difficult for him than it would've needed to be, given how well he did on return and during the rallies. His serve didn't end up costing him today but against Andy Murray tomorrow, it will be a different matter.

TTV's post-match interview with a happy (and sweaty) David you can watch here.

(photos: Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)

Tokyo R2 - David vs Ivan Dodig

2011-10-05T17:55:00.001-03:00

(Koji Sasahara/AP Photo)

UpdateII (06/10)
He made things more difficult for himself than they would've needed to be, getting broken serving for the first set as well as for the match. But in the end, David secured a 7-6(2), 6-2 victory over Ivan Dodig and a place in tomorrow's quarterfinal. There, his opponent will be second seed Andy Murray.

Some photos from the match now on the Photo Page.

Recording now available via David on Screen.

More soon...

(Getty Images/Reuters; montage by VD)

Update (6/10)
5.16pm local. The third match on Centre Court has just finished. Next up: David and Dodig.

It's still Wednesday, where I'm writing this. But in Tokyo it's already Thursday - the day of David's second round match. Just like in the first round, he's up against a player he has never met before. But this time one who's 29 positions ahead of him in the rankings and who likes to play on hardcourt.

Ivan Dodig used to be the kind of player who mostly plays Challenger events and occasionally manages to make it through qualifying at ATP-level tournaments. Ranked more or less far away from the Top100 - until this year. As of this week, Dodig is ranked #35. After winning his first ever title at Zagreb (plus another final, a semifinal and a quarterfinal). In short, Dodig is playing the best season of his career. The biggest headlines, however, he made two months ago when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the second round at Montréal. But since then it's been early exits for Dodig.

I haven't seen much of Ivan Dodig but I watched most of his match against Nadal. That was Dodig playing at his very best and I'm not sure he will be again in this match. Still, this will be a different kind of test for David than Rosol in the first round. Dodig is a fighter and he defends well. At the same time he's able to pull the trigger on his groundstrokes, especially his backhand, if he gets the chance. During his match against Nadal he also mixed things up by coming to the net. And Dodig has a good serve - and a somewhat unorthodox serve motion. Whether that's going to make it more difficult for David to get a read on his serve and how he's going to deal with Ivan Dodig and his game - the match will give the answers.

Last but not at all least, the good news: There will be streams for this match.

Tokyo R1: A Bright Start for David

2011-10-04T10:09:00.001-03:00

(Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

It was David's first match in seven years at Tokyo but the Japanese crowd didn't get much of a chance to get used to the sight of him again on the Centre Court at the Ariake Colosseum. - For that it was all over too quickly.
In match that was just as one-sided as the scoreline suggests, David took only 49 minutes to defeat Lukas Rosol 6-1, 6-1.
In the second round on Thursday, he'll now face Ivan Dodig (currently ranked #35). It will be their first encounter.

After holding serve to love, David first broke Rosol in the second game, the only long and hard-fought service game of the entire match. Barely making any first serves initially, David still continued to cruise through his service games. After breaking Rosol again to go up 5-1, David easily closed out the first set on his first set point.

At the start of the second, David immediately broke serve again. Having raced to 4-0 lead, he briefly went down 0-30 in the following game but only to win the next four points. It was the only game where he dropped more than one point on serve. Finally, David broke one last time as Rosol was serving to stay in the match, converting his fourth match point.

(Reuters)

The stats, and unfortunately there's only the stats to look at, paint the picture of a match in which David was the utterly dominant and far better player. Dominant especially on serve - he dropped a total of only 6 points on serve in the whole match. Making up for his poor percentage of first serves in the first set by winning 90% of his second serves. David converted 5 of the 17 break points he had in the course of the match. And although that may seem like a bad percentage (and that he could've made the match even shorter and more one-sided than it already was), all those games where David had break points also ended with a break.
In short, a great start for David and a dominant performance. Though it has to be said that Lukas Rosol is more of a clay-courter and not the kind of player to really pose a threat to David on hardcourt. Still, David has every right to be happy and content with this match - and he is:

It was a very good first round. I feel that every day I’m getting better, so I’m happy with the play today. I didn’t start very well in the US Open Series, but week after week I’m feeling better, playing better and that’s the result today.
(source; thanks for the tip, Ashot)

Update (05/10)
News from the Davis Cup front. A little earlier than planned the news transpired via the Spanish press today that the RFET, Spain's tennis federation, has chosen Sevilla to be the host of this year's Davis Cup final. The decision still has to be approved by the ITF. But the Estadio Olimpico de Sevilla, normally a football stadium, has served as the venue of a Davis Cup final before. Back in 2004, it was there that Spain defeated the USA on a clay court built on the pitch, underneath a temporarily erected roof (as can be seen in this photo). A similar construction can be expected for this year's final.

Tokyo R1 - David vs Lukas Rosol

2011-10-03T09:31:00.002-03:00

(Yusuke Sato)

UpdateII (04/10)
A perfect start for David at Tokyo: It took him merely 49 minutes to dispatch Lukas Rosol 6-1, 6-1.
In the second round on Thursday he'll now face Ivan Dodig, who prevented a possible battle of the Davis Cup teammates by beating Juan Monaco 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(1). It'll be David's first encounter with Dodig.

More soon.

(Getty Images; montage by VD)

Update (04/10)
2.42pm local - David's match is now about to begin. - On the scoreboard.

This match won't take place until tomorrow, i.e. Tuesday, local time. But due to the time difference (and me, not being here tonight) I'm going to do things a little differently today by already posting this preview. Apart from that, there's already a lot to have a look at (see below).
- Which also serves as proof that this time, David has indeed undertaken the trip to Asia, starting with Tokyo. It's his first appearance at this event since 2004.

In his first match at Tokyo, David (still #64) gets to face a player he has never met before.
Lukas Rosol, ranked #77 as of this week, has spent most of this season playing Challenger events and preferably on clay. On this surface he has posted his best results, including two Challenger titles. And it was also on clay that he managed to pull off his biggest win this year, defeating last year's semifinalist Jürgen Melzer in the second round at Roland Garros (before losing to Juan Ignacio Chela in the third). It was the only time this season that Rosol made it past the second round at an ATP-level event. And he went out in the first round at the last four tournaments he played, including at Kuala Lumpur, last week (where he lost to Lukasz Kubot).

I'll admit that I've never seen Lukas Rosol play before so I can't say anything about his game, his strengths or weaknesses. And chances are that David doesn't really know anything about him, either. So he'll probably need a few games to see who and what he's dealing with. But whether it's going to be a slow start or a bright one for David in this match - the only way of following it will be the scoreboard.

Before the start of the tournament, David took part in a charity event yesterday for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11. A clip of it you can watch here (thanks, Ashot; photos on the Photo Page). There, David was presented with a grant from the ATP for his foundation, as part of the ATP Aces for Charity program. But also his training session at the Ariake Colosseum was the subject of much public attention and there are several videos of it.

Another clip you'll find here (thanks, Noubar) and here, plus the rest of the series the clip above is taken from: part1, part3, part4, part5 and part6.
Edit: Here's another clip of David, practicing his serve on an outside court.

Tokyo Draw

2011-10-01T04:36:00.001-03:00

According to his plans as mentioned in the last interview, David was due to arrive in Tokyo yesterday. So here's what's going to await him at the first of his "Davis Cup final preparatory tournaments".
David has been drawn into the bottom half and once again into Andy Murray's quarter:

[7] Radek Stepanek (CZE) vs Somdev Devvarman (IND)
[Q] Marco Chiudinelli (SUI) vs Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP)
[Q] Matthew Ebden (AUS) vs Pablo Andujar (ESP)
Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs [3] David Ferrer (ESP)

[8] Juan Monaco (ARG) vs Ivan Dodig (CRO)
David Nalbandian (ARG) vs Lukas Rosol (CZE)
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) vs Alex Bogomolov Jr. (USA)
Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) vs [2] Andy Murray (GBR)

The complete draw you'll find here.

Against his first-round opponent Lukas Rosol, currently ranked #78, David has never played before. Just like against Ivan Dodig (currently #37), who he could meet in the second round - or his Davis Cup teammate Juan Monaco (ranked #27 at the moment; match record: 2-1 for David). Before in a hypothetical quarterfinal another encounter with Andy Murray might await.

An Interview with David

2011-09-28T09:10:00.001-03:00

It's still a few days until the start of Tokyo. So here's something to pass the time: an interview with David. From back home in Unquillo (where he still is at the moment - but not for much longer) he talked on the phone to Argentine station AM 630 ESPN Radio. And of course, the biggest topic still is - and will remain to be until December - the Davis Cup. One more thing, from the weekdays he mentions, it can be deduced that the interview was recorded at the end of last week. At least I'd hope so - otherwise he'd be a week late with his departure for Tokyo...
Here's what David had to say:

I'm very happy and I'm doing very well. The tie in Serbia was a very good and positive one in every way. In the life of a tennis player, everything happens very fast. There's no time for a lot of analysis of the matches and things. Luckily, we won and we are in the Davis Cup final. Now let's enjoy that and think about the tie in December.

The team is doing very well. We played a good tie, Serbia was the favourite. On clay we are very strong, compared to the rest of the world. But in sports, anything can happen. We have to try and do the best we can. The Spanish team is better than we are on this kind of surface but we mustn't lose hope.

Confronted with an opponent as strong as Spain, the Argentine team will have to plan its moves very carefully, something that David already mentioned in the previous interview. In the past, and under other captains, it wasn't always so very clear who made those plans and decisions. But apparently, that's different now:

The ideal is to win three points. How we have to form the team to be able to do that, I don't know... Tito always nominates those he thinks have been playing well or are playing well. As far as I'm concerned, he never consulted me. That's the job of the captain. I don't know what his plans will be for the tie in December. We have to find the best solution for all five rubbers. Our doubles, whoever is going to play, will be better than they can be indoors. The doubles is a key rubber and our aim has got to be to win it.

Right now, it looks like the final will be held either in Valencia or in Sevilla and if it's Valencia then it will be played indoors (though not at the tournament venue).
[Update (29/09) Whether it's going to be Valencia or Sevilla will be announced on October 7.]
But who can win the doubles against Spain's Lopez and Verdasco? In the Argentine media, some have called for the formation of a special doubles pair - David playing with Del Potro...

I've played doubles with Juan Martin one single time in the US [Indian Wells 2009]. I think we played well. Apart from some training we haven't played together more than that. It would be ideal for Argentina to have a fixed doubles and that the singles players get to rest on Saturday. Playing on all three days is extremely tough, it's grueling. I did that many years and I paid the price for it. I'm no longer 23. We have to wait until December, see who's in the best form by then and we need to have a fixed doubles so that we can be competitive wherever we play.

It sounds like David has indeed said goodbye to the idea of playing on all three days, that he has realised that this is the kind of strain his body can no longer put up with.
And while previously, David didn't seem to be aware that Del Potro still has a good chance to qualify for the World Tour Final, he knows by now.

I hope that Juan Martin can qualify for the Masters [World Tour Final] and that he can play his best.

Back in 2008, Del Potro's decision to play the Masters Cup in Shanghai (despite not being fully fit) was the cause of much turmoil - let's put it this way. This time, however, David seems determined not to dwell on it (or on the past in general) but to look ahead.

I haven't played much on clay but Juan Martin is a bit faster [at adapting to playing on it]. It's a tough tie. On paper, they've always been a little better [than us]. Now you have to go there, to fight and do your best.

You try to always learn. With bad results there's a lot more to analyse and the victories cover things up. The team is doing very well, that's the way foward. Argentina has a very strong team and we have to make the most out of that.

Meanwhile, and maybe you've heard about it, several players (including Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray) have voiced complaints about the calendar, called for the players to form their own union and also mentioned the possibility of going on strike. I'm not sure if David is aware of these developments but he agrees that life as a tennis player is tough - though he comes to a different conclusion.

Being a tennis player is not easy. You get only very few days off. I arrived here [in Unquillo] after the Davis Cup on Tuesday [last week] and Thursday next week [i.e. tomorrow] I'm going to travel to Asia for the tournaments there. You get to spend very few days at your home and don't have time for a lot of things. It's not easy but it's all for a good and beautiful cause and that's what this sport is. That's why you have to deal with these things the best way you can.

And there are still several tournaments to think of, ahead of the Davis Cup final in December. But how many exactly? I've been able to map out most of David's schedule for the rest of the season (confirmed now by the official site, which has, believe it or not, been updated). Here's what David has to say about his plans:

I'm going to Asia where I'll play two tournaments. After that I'm going to play the indoor events and I'm thinking about returning [to Argentina] in the first week of November to train on clay. I don't know how the weather is in Spain at that time. The best would be to try and have some good training sessions there. It also depends a lot on when I'm going to finish the indoor swing and how much I can train here, in Buenos Aires.

Now, returning to Argentina in early November would mean not playing the Masters event in Paris. The entry list for it came out last night and his name is on it but as an alternate. That he doesn't seem to be sure when the indoor swing will end for him could mean that he doesn't know yet whether or not he'll get a wildcard. And that, if he doesn't get one, he might skip the Paris Masters to train on clay instead.

Apart from the Davis Cup, I'm having a very good year to build on and to analyse how I'm going to finish it. Little by little I'm getting better and better. I'm feeling good and comfortable and without injuries, which is what affected me the last time.

That's one way of putting it. Back in 2008, directly before the final at Mar del Plata, David's hip injury got so bad that the advice from his doctors was to have surgery. This time, hopefully, he'll get to play without injury troubles. As it could be his last chance to win the title that he wants more than anything else - or maybe not?

I don't think that it's going to be my last chance to win the Davis Cup. I still have one or two years left of my career. Next year we're going to have plenty of chances because we'll have many home ties. It's a very good schedule. 2013 could also be a year with a good Davis Cup schedule.

- And it could be another good year for David.

A Look ahead at the Tournaments in Asia

2011-09-24T18:58:00.001-03:00

Almost exactly one year ago I wrote a preview post about David going to Asia to play Tokyo and the Shanghai Masters. But you won't find it anywhere here on VD - I had to replace it with a post about David, pulling out of these events. At first, it seemed like he simply couldn't be bothered to undertake the trip to Asia. Then, in a later interview, David confessed that he felt completely exhausted after the US hardcourt swing (and probably also very much frustrated after the lost Davis Cup semifinal against France).
This year the situation is a very different one. David played only 7 matches at the US hardcourt events (compared to 16, last season). And then there's of course the Davis Cup final, which is not only the reason that arrived back home, David immediately took up training in double shifts again to prepare for the rest of the season (source). It also means that every match he gets to play from now on is important as preparation for the final in December.
And here's where those preparations will begin:

Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships 500, Tokyo (October 3-9)

(Getty Images)

Seven years have gone by since David's last (and also only) appearance at this tournament. And it was a fairly brief one, he went out in the second round against Gilles Muller. Back then, in the autumn of 2004, David's first ever trip to Asia saw him playing Beijing and Tokyo (held during different weeks at the time). It was the only occasion in his career where he played two events in Asia between the US Open and the indoor swing, pulling out of Tokyo the following year and then from 2006 on skipping the Asian events altogether. - Until now.
That Tokyo is a 500 event has its advantages for David, as the so-called "Commitment Player Entry Exception" has granted him direct acceptance into the main draw. But for us, there are also the typical disadvantages that you get with a tournament of this category. In other words, once again there will be no coverage during the early rounds.
The draw will take place a week from now, on Saturday, October 1.
Top on the entry list: Nadal, Murray, Ferrer, Fish and Troicki.

Shanghai Rolex Masters 1000, Shanghai (October 9-16)

(Getty Images)

At Shanghai's Qi Zhong Stadium, pictured here with its retractable roof open wide, David played the most memorable match of his career, the one he's still the most proud of. Back in 2005, it was here that he beat Roger Federer in the Masters Cup final (fifth-set highlights here). So for David, playing the Shanghai Masters means returning to the scene of his biggest triumph - and yet, at the same time it's also going to be a premiere, as he has never played this particular event before. But his past appearances at the Masters Cup (2005 and 2006) have apparently not been forgotten as David will receive a wildcard for this tournament. At least, that's what I've been hearing, though this hasn't been officially confirmed yet. (Without a wildcard, he would have to play qualies.)
As it's a Masters event, everybody is going to be there. Theoretically at least. Federer and Söderling have already withdrawn, others (for example Djokovic) could follow.

P.S. When he's in Shanghai, perhaps David will finally get to see his terracotta warrior.
Though whether he'll be able to recognise himself - I'm not so sure...

Davis Cup Draw 2012

2011-09-21T09:30:00.000-03:00

(daviscup.com)

Another Davis Cup tradition: As soon as the finalists for the current year have been decided (they will be the two top-seeded teams next season), it's already time for the draw for the next year.
Today, the draw for the Davis Cup 2012 took place in Bangkok, with Argentina as the second seed behind Spain, due to Spain's higher Davis Cup ranking.
And here's what Argentina's half, the bottom one of the draw, looks like (* indicates home team):

Italy vs Czech Republic*

Sweden vs Serbia*

Japan* vs Croatia

Germany* vs Argentina

So Argentina will begin the 2012 Davis Cup season with an away tie against Germany, which will be played from February 10 to12 and definitely indoors (as mid-February is not the kind of date where you could even think about playing outdoors in Germany). And I wouldn't be surprised if the German team chose clay as the surface.
Afterwards, in the quarterfinal, Argentina could meet Croatia (home tie for Argentina) before in the semifinal another clash with Serbia might await - only that this time it would take place at the Parque Roca.

Update

(José Hernández/MundoD)

Here's the latest interview with David. Only just arrived back in Argentina, he talked to Fabián Sacarelli (for MundoD) about, you've guessed it, the Davis Cup:

Q: Based on past experiences, what are the mistakes that shouldn't be made in this final?

David: I don't know what mistakes. That's something where it's very difficult to put your finger on it. We have to focus on being in the best possible shape for that weekend. We'll have several days to train on clay and that's good for us. And we're doing fine as a team. You have to work as best as you can and get there in top shape. I don't think it's that much of a mystery.

Q: It's difficult to believe that another final against Spain won't be seen as a chance to avenge the lost final of 2008.

David: Different situations and different times, in every way. Spain at home is an extremely tough and difficult opponent. And Rafa is the best player ever on clay. We have to try and think about having a good weekend. That's what we did in Serbia and there, it all went very well.

Q: Which differences do you see between the commitment of this team and the one in 2008?

David: It's all very different, there was a different coaching staff back then. With this tie, there were Juan Martin and me and the relationship has improved a lot. That's good for us and for the team. Apart from that, this time we only have to "rise to the occasion", we don't have to pick a venue, or the balls, or the surface.

Q: What was the key to beating a team that seemed unbeatable because of Djokovic?

David: We all played well and won the points we needed to win. I think it's as simple as that. We were able to capitalise on Djokovic not playing on Friday and I beat Troicki so we had a 2-0 lead and Del Potro played an incredible match against Novak. It was really a very tough tie.

Q: You've reached your third Davis Cup final, is this one going to be it?

David: I don't look at statistics but I'm happy to have reached my third final. And what the stats don't say, winning the Davis Cup is not easy. Therefore we haven't made it. I'm happy for the team, we've worked very hard and Argentine tennis deserves those three finals I've made and the other one with Vilas and Clerc [lost to USA, 1981]. Throughout the history [of Argentine tennis] we had the players and the results to earn it.

Q: What do you think the final is going to be like?

David: I think that out of my three finals, this is going to be the most difficult one, by far. It's still two and half months to go until then and many things can happen. It's a very difficult tie, one that you have to approach with a lot of "engineering". We have to concentrate on those rubbers where we have the best chances.

Q: How do you approach it with "a lot of engineering"?

David: We have to win three points and our aim has to be that everyone believes in their chance to win. We know that those two rubbers Ferrer will play and the doubles are theoretically going to be where Spain will be the most vulnerable. But we'll have to see. I like playing against Rafa and against Ferrer it's going to be an extremely tough match. I'm relaxed, I know that I can win and I can lose. Those will be five very close matches.

Q: There are no ATP tournaments left to play on clay. What's the preparation going to look like?

David: Fortunately, for us the season is going to end two weeks before the Davis Cup final and during those weeks we'll prepare on clay. Rafa and Ferrer are definitely going to play the Masters [World Tour Final] and are going to start playing on clay much later. But still, we know how strong the Spanish team is on this surface.

Q: What would you give to win the Davis Cup?

David: I give everything for the Davis Cup and I let it show in each point I play, in every match. My big goal is to win it and hopefully I'll be able to do it this time.

Back Home

2011-09-20T11:28:00.001-03:00

After Argentina's victory over Serbia in the Davis Cup semifinal, David arrived back home in Argentina yesterday for a well-deserved break ahead of the tournaments in Asia (Tokyo and the Shanghai Masters). Though he didn't get very far before the media caught up with him at Ezeiza airport in Buenos Aires, as you can see in the clip above. Here's a summary of what he told the assembled press.

The semifinal
It was a difficult tie, Serbia won last year and Djokovic is the no.1. It was a spectacular tie for them, they all worked hard during the week to be in top shape for it. They all gave their best in each of the matches and Delpo was impressive. It's a shame that Novak got injured, Delpo was playing well and would've probably won the match also without that happening. They all did their best to win, it worked out and he's very happy.

The importance of winning the first rubber
How important it was for Delpo they'd have to ask him but he has played both the first and the second rubber before and it's not the same, going into it with 1-0 lead or trailing 0-1. They knew they had to make the most out of Djokovic not playing on Friday. And Troicki is a great player but playing against him is not the same, though it was a tough match. Still, that increased their chances and their hopes and in the end, they were able to capitalise on it.

The final against Spain
Spain is an extremely tough opponent to face in an away tie, it's going to be very difficult. And it means playing against Rafa on clay. Those will be five matches where anything can happen. They'll have to try and be in the best possible shape for that tie, try to give their best as always to get the best possible result. Clay is not his favourite surface. It's going to be tough.

(José Hernández/MundoD)

The doubles
The doubles rubber has always been Argentina's weakness. It will be extremely important in the final because it can tip the scale either way. Right now, they don't really have a fixed doubles but it would be good for the singles players to rest on Saturday. Currently there are not many Argentine doubles specialists but they're going to play on clay and there, their doubles team [Schwank & Chela] has done well before.

The current form
After his return at Washington he got better with each day. At the US Open he already played much better and this weekend, his level was even a bit better than at the US Open. He'll try to continue improving until December. Right now, he feels very good

In other news, and as has been mentioned in the comments, David has moved up 11 places in the rankings this week (thanks to his win against Troicki) and is now ranked #63. At Tokyo and Shanghai he won't have any points to defend (having missed that part of the season last year), a chance for him to move further up again.

Update
And now for something completely different: David is not going to play Basel this year.
Instead, his name is on the entry list for Valencia (same week, October 31 - November 6).

Edit: A last look back at the semifinal weekend, courtesy of the official Davis Cup site.

Argentina Makes the Davis Cup Final

2011-09-18T16:53:00.001-03:00

(EFE)

It could've turned into an epic, this last day of the Davis Cup semifinal at Belgrade. And it could have been another one of those ties where in the end, everything depends on David, playing the decisive fifth rubber. But today, the decision came prematurely, an hour and 32 minutes into the fourth rubber between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro. At 7-6(5), 3-0 for Del Potro, Djokovic had to retire with an injury. An abrupt and unfortunate end for this tie. But for Argentina the decisive third point and a place in this year's Davis Cup final against Spain (December 2-4), which will take place in Spain and on clay.

It was a gamble that the Serbian team took with Djokovic playing this match. After having arrived at Belgrade only on Thursday and carrying the injury that flared up again today (source). But with Serbia down 2-1 and merely one defeat away from losing the tie, the team thought that he'd have a better chance to beat Del Potro than Troicki, despite not being fully fit. A fateful miscalculation.
At the same time, Djokovic's injury spared David having to play a live fifth rubber. And although he would've certainly liked to clinch the tie for his team, perhaps it's better that it didn't come to this. As according to Fue Buena, quoting Tito Vázquez, David still hasn't completely recovered from "that problem with his neck" (which occurred during his match against Troicki).

Already during the first set today, Djokovic repeatedly showed signs of being in pain and received treatment during changeovers. A very difficult situation for him - but also for Juan Martin Del Potro, playing against an obviously ailing opponent. Watching the match, I was impressed with the way Delpo kept his focus and also with how well he played. And I was not the only one:

It was incredible. I watched it all in the locker room. How I suffered... Juan Martin had chances because he served very well. For Djokovic it got more and more difficult. He [Delpo] played an unbelievable match, basically perfect. Luckily, he won because we came here with the dream of making it.

(Juan Foglia/Clarin)

And now, they have made it. Another Davis Cup final for Argentina, the fourth one in total. And the third one for David, after 2006 (where he won his two rubbers against Russia in Moscow but the other three were lost) and, of course, the notorious final at Mar del Plata 2008. That year, it was also Delpo who won the decisive rubber for Argentina in the semifinal (against Russia). Before what was supposed to be Argentina's unique chance of finally winning the Davis Cup, at home and against a Spanish team without Rafael Nadal, turned into a battle among the Argentine players.
Back then, they went into the final as the favourites to win the title. This time, with the final taking place in Spain and on clay, they're going to be the underdogs, especially if Rafael Nadal is going to be there. But perhaps, that can also be their chance.

Finally, here's an interview with David after Del Potro's victory:

First comes the part I've quoted above, about having watched the match in the locker room. Then:Another final for him. It gets more difficult each time. So now they'll have to travel to Spain at the end of the year.
He's happy about the way the whole week went, about the work they did. He thinks that everybody gave everything in all of the matches.They were expecting a very tough day today, a very close one, but Delpo managed to get the last point. Though it's a shame, the way it happened with Djokovic's injury.
Asked whether he has to change his travel plans (now that he'll have a shorter off-season) - the final changes his schedule. But he's happy and right now it's time to enjoy the victory.

Davis Cup Semifinal - Day 3: Argentina in the Final

2011-09-18T06:26:00.000-03:00

(Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Update
We all wanted it to happen - but not like this. At 7-6(5), 3-0 for Del Potro, Novak Djokovic collapsed on court with a scream of pain after hitting a forehand. After lying on the court for a couple of minutes, he decided to retire, granting Argentina the third point and a place in this year's final (December 2-4), where they will meet Spain. It's going to be another away tie for Argentina.
Whether David will play the fifth, dead rubber - I don't think so.
Edit: Juan Monaco will play the fifth rubber for Argentina against - Tipsarevic, after all.

More soon.

It's day three at the Belgrade Arena, time for the big showdown. Going into today's reverse singles, Argentina still has a 2-1 lead and needs only one more point for a place in this year's Davis Cup final. But with the world no.1 taking to the court today, the tie could go down to a decisive fifth rubber. And it could once again fall to David to try and clinch the tie for Argentina.
But first of all:

Fourth rubber
Novak Djokovic vs Juan Martin Del Potro
It's a one-sided record that Del Potro has against Djokovic. Four matches, four defeats. But with this particular match, Del Potro's chances are going to depend on how well Djokovic will be able to play, given the circumstances. He arrived at Belgrade practically at the last minute and has only done some very light training since the US Open final. And apparently, from what I've read, he does have some problems with his back. But all of that could be forgotten, playing Davis Cup in front of his home crowd. In short, if Djokovic can manage to play at (or near) the kind of level he has shown throughout this season then Del Potro will be in serious trouble.
And if he loses this match then it'll be up to David...

(Marko Drobnjakovic/AP Photo)

Fifth rubber
Janko Tipsarevic vs David
They 've met only once and that was a while ago, at the Australian Open 2007. But if that match is anything to go by then we could be in for a ride. Back then, David had to save match points in the third set before eventually, Tipsarevic retired early on in the fifth (due to problems with the heat). Now, almost five years later, they meet again to play a best-of-five match. And it's going to be a battle of the Davis Cup veterans. With Tipsarevic having contested even more matches than David (49 to 43), though David has the better record in singles (22-5 to Tipsarevic's 28-12). Both have plenty of experience and they both know what it's like to play the decider and clinch the tie for their team.
Compared to Troicki, Tipsarevic will give David more rhythm during the rallies but his better defense, his backhand and also his serve (difficult to read because of his very low ball toss) could make this match a lot more difficult for David than his first one. What might also be a factor in this match is that Tipsarevic had problems with his ankle against Del Potro on Friday. Whether pulling out of the doubles yesterday was merely a precaution or a bit more than that remains to be seen. - As well as whether David will, hopefully, be able to play again like he did on Friday.

Davis Cup Semifinal - Day 2

2011-09-17T09:03:00.003-03:00

UpdateII
A clip of Djokovic, David and Del Potro training today:

(Marko Drobnjakovic/AP Photo)

Update
Juan Ignacio Chela and Juan Monaco have lost the doubles rubber against Viktor Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic, who prevailed 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-2.
So the tie will be decided in the reverse singles tomorrow. First up at 2pm local time: Juan Martin Del Potro against Novak Djokovic. And then, in what could very well be the decisive fifth rubber, David against Janko Tipsarevic.

Meanwhile in Cordoba, Spain's Lopez/Verdasco lost the doubles against Llodra/Tsonga. Which, after day two of the semifinals, leaves both Argentina and Spain with a 2-1 lead.

(Getty Images)

After David and Juan Martin Del Potro did a great job yesterday, getting a 2-0 lead for Argentina, today it's time for Juan Ignacio Chela and Juan Monaco to take to the court at the Belgrade Arena. Time for the doubles rubber.
According to the draw, they were scheduled to face Janko Tipsarevic and Nenad Zimonjic. But Tipsarevic had problems with his ankle during the match against Del Potro yesterday. And today, Zimonjic practiced with Viktor Troicki (source).
Edit: It has just been confirmed - Viktor Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic will play for Serbia.
So there's going to be another last-minute change to Serbia's line-up. Not the worst thing that could've happened, as far as the Argentine team is concerned (though Troicki and Zimonjic have played doubles together in Davis Cup before).
Can "El Torino" and "Pico" perhaps seal the deal for Argentina already today? We'll find out.

Davis Cup Semifinal Day 1 - Review

2011-09-16T20:28:00.000-03:00

(EFE)

There are two versions of the tennis player David Nalbandian. One for the ATP events and the Slams and the other one we get to see in Davis Cup. And while other players may struggle with the pressure of playing for their team and country and not just for themselves (and even more so during away ties) the exact opposite applies for David. Give him a Davis Cup semifinal, an away tie, and David goes and plays his best match of the season. Securing the first point for Argentina with his 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Viktor Troicki.
Afterwards, Juan Martin Del Potro extended Argentina's lead to 2-0 by beating Janko Tipsarevic.

After going down a break early on in the first set, David levelled the score at 3-3. Having saved break points in the following game, David held serve brefore breaking Troicki again as the Serb served to stay in the set. The second set saw a series of easy holds from both, with David the more dominant player until a poor game at 4-4 cost him his serve and eventually the set. At the beginning of the third, Troicki returned the favour and dropped his serve before once again, David broke as Troicki was serving to stay in the set. The fourth set began exactly like the third, with David going up an immediate break. After getting the double break for a 5-1 lead, David served for the match and got broken before eventually closing out the match on the second attempt and this time to love.

(Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

That is, in radically short form, what happened during this match. But the real story of this match is a different one. And it's about David, playing a smart, solid and simply very good match. During his latest matches, and especially against Nadal at the US Open, there were some flashes of David, playing the tactical and effective tennis he's capable of. Only the he wasn't able to keep it up. With this match, he did. From the first set through to the fourth, David moved well and played well, and he also kept his focus, never losing track after getting broken (or when there were suddenly noises coming over the PA when he was break point down; he saved it). And it's been a while since David was able to play as aggressively, and consistently so, as he did today.

A word about the almost 14-minute service game that David played at 3-1 in the fourth set. As he mentions in the clip below, he did something to his neck during that game and it bothered him afterwards. Maybe it also affected him as he served for the match for the first time. As it was only after receiving a massage from one of the team's physios that he eventually served out the match to love.

So, after the first day, Argentina has a 2-0 lead. Time to have a look at the other semifinal, Spain vs France. In the course of the first two matches today, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon managed to get a combined total of 10 games against Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer. There seems to be no way of stopping Spain on the way to the final. But can Argentina get there - we'll see.

Finally, here's the interview David gave to TyC Sports, directly after his victory.
(Edit: And here you can watch the video version of yesterday's audio interview for DavisCup.com.)

He knew (around 30 minutes before the match as he said elsewhere) that he'd play Troicki instead of Djokovic. The second set was up and down, he had the chance to win it but couldn't take it. But all in all he thinks he played a great match and it was important to win the first point for Argentina. Hopefully they can build on that.
He knew that Viktor is a great server and there were games where they didn't get to play a lot of tennis. He had to stay patient and wait for the right moment and he thinks he did that well in this match and fortunately it all worked out.
Winning the first point is very important, now they can be more relaxed. He took the first step, now they have to go on, play and win points, hopefully they can go up 2-0, that would be great.
He did something to his neck, some bad movement (at 3-1 in the fourth set) and it bothered him after that but he pulled through and he's happy. He always has the support of his people from Unquillo and he thanks them for it, as well as all of Argentina.

Davis Cup Semifinal - Day 1

2011-09-16T07:31:00.001-03:00

(Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty Images)

UpdateII
David has won the first point for Argentina, defeating Viktor Troicki 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and 47 minutes. I've said it before, there are two versions of David Nalbandian. And today, we got to see "Davis Cup David" again. It's been a while since he played that well - throughout the match.

A post-match interview with David here. Photos on the Photo Page. Links for the recording (courtesy of Krystle, thanks) are now available on David on Screen.

Edit: In the second rubber Delpo beat Janko Tipsarevic 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.
After the first day, Argentina leads 2-0.

(Clarin)

It's day one of the Davis Cup semifinal Serbia vs Argentina at the Belgrade Arena - time for the first two singles rubbers. And for something we haven't seen in a while. For the first time since the lost final at Mar del Plata 2008, Argentina's line-up for the first day consists of the two gentlemen pictured above, David and Juan Martin Del Potro. (Here's a pic of them, training today.)
Update
It's official now and confirmed by the AAT: Novak Djokovic has pulled out of today's match.
Instead, David will face Viktor Troicki.

So here's what's ahead today (more about the match-ups in the previous post):

First rubber
Viktor Troicki vs David

Second rubber
Janko Tipsarevic vs Juan Martin Del Potro

Davis cup madness - here we come...

Davis Cup Semifinal - The Draw

2011-09-15T16:30:00.000-03:00

(canchallena.com)

Today, the court at the Belgrade Arena not only functioned as training site for both teams. It was also right there, on the court, that the draw ceremony took place. And here's what came out of it:

Friday (play starts 3pm local)
Novak Djokovic vs David Nalbandian
Janko Tipsarevic vs Juan Martin Del Potro

Saturday (play starts 3pm local)
Janko Tipsarevic & Nenad Zimonjic vs Juan Ignacio Chela & Juan Monaco

Sunday (play starts 2pm local)
Novak Djokovic vs Juan Martin Del Potro
Janko Tipsarevic vs David Nalbandian

The first thing that catches the eye is of course Djokovic's name next to David's for the first match on Friday. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that Djokovic will actually play tomorrow. Serbia's captain Obradovic still has the chance, up until the very last minute basically, to replace him with Viktor Troicki, in case Djokovic doesn't feel ready to play the match, after all. A decision that he will make tomorrow (and he could still play on the other days if he pulls out of this match). So it's actually not clear yet who will be David's opponent. Still, here's a look at Friday's matches.

Novak Djokovic or Viktor Troicki vs David Nalbandian
There's been one occasion where David was able to beat Djokovic. And not surprisingly perhaps, that was at the Madrid Masters, back in 2007. The other four times they've met, however, it was Djokovic who prevailed, and convincingly so. But although it's usually David whose physical condition is in doubt, with this match it's different. After winning the US Open on Monday, Djokovic only arrived at Belgrade today and has had practically no time to recuperate, adjust or prepare. And if he plays tomorrow - that would be David's chance. Against an otherwise almost invincible Djokovic, who's also a bad match-up for him (with his excellent defense, return game and also a serve that David had his problems with in the past).
Against Viktor Troicki on the other hand, David has a positive match record, having won three of their four encounters so far (the most recent one took place at Miami last year). This season, Troicki has moved up higher in the rankings than ever before in his career (currently #16) but except for the quarterfinal he made at Washington his results haven't been too good of late. And apart from that, he's not as experienced as the rest of his team when it comes to playing Davis Cup.

Janko Tipsarevic vs Juan Martin Del Potro
The match record favours Del Potro, they've met twice so far (most recently in this year's final at Delray Beach) and both times Del Potro won in straights. The current form, however, favours Tipsarevic, whose results during the US hardcourt swing have propelled him to #13, higher than he's ever been ranked before. Apart from that, Tipsarevic (who trained without any apparent difficulties this week, after retiring at the US Open) is the far more experienced Davis Cup player (48 matches to Del Potro's 9). In the past, Del Potro had little difficulty with Tipsarevic and with his serve and his forehand he possesses the much bigger weapons. But under the circumstances, against an in-form Tipsarevic playing in front of his home crowd, he will need to put those weapons to good and above all consistent use.

Finally, after the draw ceremony David talked to TyC Sports, the Argentine TV channel that broadcasts the Davis Cup. Here's the clip:

And here's a brief summary of what he says in it:
He knows both of them (Djokovic and Troicki) and it's not going to change anything about his preparations or his way of thinking about the match, he has to be ready to deal with either of the two. They (the Argentine team) have to try and focus on themselves. After the tie they'll do a review of everything on Monday. He thinks there's a fair chance that Djokovic won't play. And if he plays that he's going to be tired and then it'll be about trying to exploit that. All five points will be extremely tough, they'll have a chance in all of the matches as they have a strong team. They have to fight in every match and win the tie
He feels good, better. He feels that he has improved during the week. They thought the surface would be faster but he's fine with it, the way it is. It's a court that meets the requirements set by the ITF and it was always going to be a tough tie, no matter on what kind of surface. Each of them has to try and win their points, to do the best they can from Friday through to Sunday.

Wednesday Training and Official Dinner

2011-09-14T17:13:00.000-03:00

Update
According to Fue Buena, David will play singles on Friday, whether Djokovic will be there or no.

The training sessions at the Belgrade Arena continued today, this time with Juan Monaco and Juan Ignacio Chela putting in an intense round of doubles practice. A possible sign that David will play singles on Friday? Perhaps, but right now this is all still merely speculation.
Meanwhile, the Serbian team held its press conference today. Postponed by one day, obviously in the hope of being able to present the full squad to the local media. But the team had to make do without the big star and Serbia's captain Bogdan Obradovic told the press that he didn't know whether Novak Djokovic will join them in the evening or for practice, tomorrow morning. And whether Djokovic will be ready to play on Friday or whether he'll make his first appearance in the doubles on Saturday is also still unclear.

Apart from that, it was time for the (also traditional) official dinner tonight. Those usually take place at more or less fancy restaurants. Far away from tennis courts. But not this time. Tonight's dinner took place at Djokovic's club the "Novak Tennis Center" (home of the Belgrade Open), at the club's restaurant, overlooking the courts. Where "rookie" Andrés Molteni had to deliver a speech (another tradition; see pic below) and apparently, a good time was had by all.
- Before getting down to business and discussing the exact line-up and strategy, ahead of the draw ceremony tomorrow. I won't be here during the day but I'll post all about the draw and the match-ups as soon as I can.

(AAT)

Press Conference Day in Belgrade

2011-09-13T14:01:00.002-03:00

(STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Usually, the traditional Tuesday press conference in Davis Cup is there for questions and answers about the upcoming tie and the preparations. In this case, it was also about how the team spent the night before - in front of the TV, watching the US Open final and, as they confessed, marvelling at the level of play, displayed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The new US Open champion who will, there can be no doubt, be given a hero's welcome at the Belgrade Arena.
After the final, Djokovic promised that he will be part of the team. But when he's going to play - that's still the big question. And one that the Argentine team's strategy is expected to depend on. In short, should Djokovic play on Friday then Vázquez would probably put Juan Monaco against him, with David playing the doubles and what could be the deciding singles on Sunday. Whereas if Djokovic doesn't play on Friday and gets replaced by Viktor Troicki, then David would probably play on Friday and face Troicki. Right now, the second option seems more likely, also because of the back problems Djokovic had during the US Open final. But what would that mean for David, playing two singles or even playing on all three days?

(Marko Drobnjakovic/AP Photo)
I'm not ready to play on all three days. I think the idea of the coaches was to have a fixed doubles so that the singles players can get some rest.

Which doesn't really sound like David is particularly keen on playing the doubles but would rather play two singles. And right now, the doubles line-up still is a complete mystery. But at least both David and Del Potro used the press conference as an opportunity to try and dispel the latest reports about differences between them.

I'm glad that we're all here together. With the two of us at a good level we're competitive and tough for every opponent.
Serbia is the favourite but we have the team to give them a good scare.

Or in Del Potro's words, who described being together on the team with David as "good" and "nice":

My idea is to play the two singles. Fortunately, we're all here together. (Source.)

Apart from that,and already before the press conference, Juan Ignacio Chela delivered the team's verdict on the surface chosen by the Serbs - slower than expected and with a low bounce but in general the Argentine team is "content" with it (source).

Last but not at all least - apart from doubles practice (David with Chela against Del Potro and Monaco), today's session also finally saw David and Juan Martin Del Potro training together:

More clips here, here, here and here. More photos on the Photo Page.

And Welcome to the Belgrade Arena

2011-09-12T09:28:00.000-03:00

Fresh in from the AAT - a look at David's first practice at the Belgrade Arena, where he trained together with Juan Ignacio Chela (first it was Juan Monaco's and Juan Martin Del Potro's turn). Another clip you can watch here.
It was the first of the Argentine team's two practice sessions at the venue for the day with the second one due later, in the early evening.

So far, there's been photos (more on the Photo Page) and videos but no statements from anybody on the team. Something that will change tomorrow when it'll be time for the traditional round of press conferences.

Update
Second session - same scenario again. David trained with Chela, Del Potro with Monaco. This may be their reunion on the team but according to Danny Miche (who was courtside), there's no communication between David and Del Potro. He even went as far as tweeting that their relationship seems worse than the (infamous) one between Vilas and Clerc in the 80s. A very harsh comparison to make (see post). Let's hope it's not really that bad...
Edit (13/09): At least they're playing football-tennis together, though on different sides of the net.

(Aníbal Greco/La Nacion)

(Juan Foglia/Clarin)

Welcome to Belgrade

2011-09-10T16:02:00.000-03:00

Update (11/09)

(AAT)

Here's a photo from David's first training session in Belgrade today.

Edit: From what I've read about Sunday's training session, David exclusively practiced with Monaco, under the supervision of vice-captain Rivera. While Vázquez focused on Del Potro and Chela. Almost like two separate units, training side by side, rather than together (source).

A short clip of David, hitting with Juan Monaco you can watch here:

(AAT)

In my previous post I wrote that David would undertake the trip to Serbia on his own. But as it turns out, he had company on the flight, travelling together with Juan Monaco. And by now, the two of them have just landed in Belgrade. Juan Martin Del Potro arrived earlier today (source).

Meanwhile, the first practice session took place at the Tk Gemax, the private club where the Argentine team has set up its training camp for the weekend. Though today, it was only Juan Ignacio Chela, who practiced with junior player Andrés Molteni under the supervision of vice captain Caio Rivera and captain Tito Vázquez. Tomorrow he'll be joined by the others, including David. What the atmosphere is going to be like after those latest statements by Vázquez remains to be seen. In any case, I'll post what news, photos and, if possible, videos from the practice sessions I can find.
In the meantime, and with David now in Belgrade, here's a general overview of what awaits him, the team and us during the upcoming Davis Cup week:

Monday
First training at the Belgrade Arena

Tuesday
Team press conferences (time tbd.)

Thursday
Draw ceremony at 12pm local time

Friday
First two singles, play starts 3pm local (2pm GMT, 9am EST, 10am Argentina)

Saturday
Doubles, play starts 3pm local (2pm GMT, 9am EST, 10am Argentina)

Sunday
Reverse singles, play starts 2pm local (1pm GMT, 8am EST, 9am Argentina)

Edit: a word about Novak Djokovic and the Monday final at the US Open.
If last year (where it was the exact same situation for him) is anything to go by then Djokovic won't play on Friday as originally planned. Instead he could play the doubles and the first singles on Sunday, like he did last year. Which would mean that (apparently existing) plans to spare David a match against Djokovic on Friday and let him play doubles as well as a possible live fifth rubber on Sunday might have to be reconsidered.

Davis Cup - The Drama Begins... Already

2011-09-08T07:17:00.000-03:00

(arenabeograd.com)

Tomorrow, it'll be time for David to say goodbye to Miami and the US and set out for Serbia.
A trip that he's going to undertake on his own, without his personal team. But of course he won't be on his own for very long. Once he arrives in Belgrade, he'll meet up with his Davis Cup teammates, the three Juans - Del Potro, Monaco and Chela (who will also be flying in from the US), as well as junior Andrés Molteni (who has been invited to function as hitting partner) and the rest of the Argentine delegation, including team captain Tito Vázquez. It could be an interesting meeting. I'll get to that in a second.
The first training session is scheduled for Saturday, on a court that the AAT, the Asociación Argentina de Tenis, has rented for the weekend until from Monday on, both teams will be able to practice at the Belgrade Arena (pictured above). Though whether the Serbian team will be present in full force on Monday might also depend on the weather in New York.

But back to the Argentine team and the latest developments, ahead of the tie.
In Argentina, Davis Cup ties are usually preceded by weeks of speculations and rumours in the press, spiced up occasionally by a couple of controversial or backhanded statements from those involved in the upcoming tie. But in this particular case, things were surprisingly quiet. Even though this semifinal will finally see the long-awaited (and previously much debated) reunion of David and Juan Martin Del Potro on the team. And the two of them look back on years of exchanging backhanded statements via the press.
Yesterday, however, the quiet was disrupted when a radio interview aired that Tito Vázquez gave on the show "Basta de Todo" (on Metro 95.1; David has been on it before). During this interview, Vázquez talked about having "differences" with David, that David "said he didn't know him" and "treated him like dirt" when he became captain and that on the Davis Cup team there are players who want everybody else to "dance to their tune".
As such, the content of these statements is not a surprise. The differences have been visible before (in some comments by David and especially during last year's semifinal in Lyon). And I recall how when Vázquez was made captain, David said he had never heard of him before until it became clear that he did know him from junior days. (Apart from that he wanted his former coach Martin Jaite for the job.) As for the last point, that David does have a, as I like to call it, dominant approach to being on the team is known well enough.
But the question remains - why state these things in public and directly before the semifinal?
In the interview, Vázquez also said that none of this has any impact on the team's results and that if they lose, then it's because the other team is better. Still, this latest instalment of Davis Cup drama probably isn't going to make things any easier at Belgrade.

Update (09/09)
On a lighter note...

US Open R3: Defeated but on the Right Track - David's Loss to Nadal

2011-09-05T08:24:00.005-03:00

Before the match, David said that playing against Rafael Nadal means long rallies and a lot of rhythm, things that he likes. And it was a match with plenty of long rallies, spectacular and entertaining ones, especially the first set (thanks, Noubar for the highlights). Still, in the end, it was a single shot that proved decisive in the important moments of this match. And it wasn't Nadal's forehand or David's backhand but - the double fault.

In the first set, David demonstrated how effective his game can be against Nadal. Taking the ball early, playing aggressively and controlling the rallies especially with his backhand, he was the better player on court. And the break that he managed to get (for 3-2) only seemed like the logical consequence, even if it was brought about by a double fault from Nadal. But David also served well in this first set, gaining a fair amount of cheap points and never really getting himself into trouble - until he served for it at 5-4. Until then it had been a fine line he had been treading, with his risky, aggressive play paying off. But now, under pressure, the balance shifted. A couple of loose shots set up the first break points he faced in this match and then came - the double fault.
In the eventual tiebreaker, David got unlucky when he slipped on court at 5-5, granting Nadal a set point on his own serve, which the Spaniard took.

After this unfortunate turn of events, the timing of David's shots, their precision and with it his dominance during the rallies were gone. Still struggling to come to terms with the loss of the first set, he immediately went down a double break and only just managed to avoid getting bagelled. At this stage, it wasn't clear whether David had run out of gas after the first set and was perhaps physically no longer able to keep up with Nadal.

The third set, however, began on a different note, with David breaking Nadal's serve. And even though he wasn't able to consolidate the break afterwards, it was the first sign that David had not given up on himself. And that he still had enough left in the tank to put up a fight. After losing his serve again and finding himself down 5-2, David fought back and took the next three games, including a break against Nadal as he was serving for the match. Serving to stay in it at 5-6, however, David faced match points and after having saved the first one came - the double fault.

A somewhat inappropriate ending for a, for the most part, highly competitive and entertaining match. And the first set has to be among the best David has played since hip surgery. He knew that he had to take risks and though this aggressive strategy worked well, it also had its price: 60 unforced errors for the match, compared to 36 winners (Nadal: 18/22). And once more, it was also David's serve that cost him, or rather his inability to hold serve at crucial stages of the match. Including those untimely double faults.
Still, the level of play that he was able to produce during the first set, as well as his comeback in the third are the positive things that can be taken from this match.

After the match, Rafael Nadal made headlines of a different kind when he collapsed during his presser, plagued by cramps. During the English part of his (slightly less eventful) press conference, David mostly had to answer questions about Nadal. But he also talked to Spanish-speaking press and here's a couple of quotes.

It gets more difficult for me every year to win a Grand Slam. I think that the Davis Cup is a more real goal and one I can pursue. (Source.)

If I can play well for one set I can also do it for two or three. I didn't feel tired today, I think I won't have problems playing five sets in Davis Cup. (Source.)

However, according to Fue Buena, David also said that his "adductor bothered him a little". Which brings back some bad memories of the Federer match at Wimbledon and the price at which it came. Whether it's bad and if so how bad, I'll try to find out.
In any case, David will now travel to Miami where he's going to train and prepare for the upcoming Davis Cup semifinal. And then, next Friday he'll be on his way to Belgrade (source).

UpdateII (07/09)
News from David's training camp in Miami. Apparently his adductor still hurt on Monday but on Tuesday he "trained in double shifts with a lot less pain than the day before" (via Danny Miche).

Update
As Danny Miche reports, Martin Jaite announced today that the exhibition match between David and Rafael Nadal, planned to take place at the Parque Roca in December, has been cancelled.

(photos: Reuters, Matthew Stockman/Getty Images & Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)