David Nalbandian comments on Players Rankings

According to David Nalbandian, a player who is strong only on one kind of court and not on all courts, he can’t rank at the top in modern Tennis.

Yes, twenty years back, if someone was specialized for maybe clay or grass, he could rise to the top, but, in today’s game, such players would remain far, far behind.

Nalbandian cited the example of Sampras to explain his point. The American was not so good playing on courts where the ball reached to the players with lesser speed and so, was never a big threat on clay. He never looked like winning French Open in spite of participating in that competition for so many times. Just once he could qualify for the Round of 4. But, irrespective of his weakness on clay, he owned the top spot for more than 5 years. However, nowadays, if you are like that, your rivals would get past you because players are playing well all around the globe now. Read more »

Andy Murray reckons Nick Kyrgios isn’t as nasty as he is made to look right now

Andy Murray reckons Nick Kyrgios isn’t as nasty as he is made to look right now.

Kyrgios has been the hot topic in the tennis world of late, but, for no good reason.

Playing in a tournament last week, the Aussie commented on the personal life of the Swiss player Wawrinka.

The young man has been getting absolutely drilled for that, but, Murray seemed to have a little sympathetic view.

Speaking after clinching Rogers Cup, Murray said, “Nick is a good bloke. Of course, he should not have done what he did. I am not defending his act; let me be very clear about that. It was very disappointing.”

“As a professional sportsperson, you should be careful that the line is not crossed and as far that incident is concerned, Nick certainly crossed the line there. But, you also have to see how much negativity the guy has coped with in recent past. Not to forget, he is only 20 and there has been constant spotlight on him. It can be tough at times.”

“I hope he takes a lesson and moves on. Mistakes are part and parcel of life. Everyone makes mistakes, but, you need to learn. He is such an exciting player, blessed with loads of talent and he, undoubtedly, has a huge future awaiting him.” Read more »

Federico Delbonis vs Nick in Opening Game

David Nalbandian’s countryman, Federico Delbonis, will face the local crowd’s favourite Nick Kyrgios in his opening game at Melbourne Park.

The 24-year old did not quite have the ideal start to this new season as he fell in the first round in the tournament played in Auckland just days ago.

It was a big defeat for Delbonis. Although he was not facing a nuisance, he was up against Adrian Mannarino, the French player, who is 20 odd places ahead of him in the rankings, but, he would surely have backed himself to emerge winner there.

But, let alone the win, he could not even put in a fighting effort. He actually got embarrassed as his opponent secured breadstick in each of the first two sets. Read more »

Roger Federer is best Sport Personality

There are some sports personalities who happen to have their fandom in every field.

One of those personalities is Roger Federer. He is a guy whom everyone seems to like, from common people to celebrities.

Recently, the captain of the Indian test cricket team, Virat Kohli, got the opportunity to spend a bit of time with the Swiss maestro in Australia and the young man got completely awestruck.

The 26-year old later wrote on his twitter account that it would always remain a memorable day for him

Virat uploaded a snap too of him and Federer together. Read more »

David Nalbandian vs Roger Federer

Thirteen years back, David Nalbandian had faced a certain Roger Federer on the Monte Carlo tennis court.

The Argentinean was in his prime at that point in time and it proved to be too easy a ride for him.

The match was over in straight sets with Federer being able to win only 3 games.

The youngster (obviously Federer was a youngster back then) was annihilated to say the least.

But, Nalbandian felt that the guy that he beat had something about him.

He even said that in his post match interview that this young man (Federer) would go a long way.

Since that day, Federer went from strength to strength. Soon, he was winning titles all over and ruling the world.

Not only did he avenge that Monte Carlo loss against Nalbandian, he defeated him many times thereafter.

Even the last match that Nalbandian played in the professional arena, it was against Federer only at the All England Club and in that match too, it was the Swiss maestro who had emerged as the winner.

Now, when Federer has spent almost one and half decades on the tour and has got almost everything that a player dreams for, Nalbandian believes he can easily be called the all time greatest as far as tennis is concerned.

Speaking about Federer yesterday, Nalbandian said, “There was only one trophy that was not there in his CV and recently, he won that too, it’s Davis Cup I am talking about. I don’t think our game has seen a better player than him.”

When asked to compare Federer with other sportspersons, Nalbandian said, “Well, I am often asked this question. It’s not something appropriate to do I reckon. People from different sports cannot be compared.”

“But, you have got to note one thing that Federer has achieved such big things individually. He hasn’t played the team sport. So, that’s where he stands slightly ahead of the other sportspersons, to be consistent for so long and to do it all alone, it requires some serious talent and composure.”

Gasquet Believes Nadal Could Overcome Federer

Richard Gasquet reckons that Roger Federer is the best male tennis player ever, but, at the same time, he has also said that the way Rafael Nadal is going; he might end up taking over that status in the future.

A couple of years back, no player could have even imagined of going close to Federer in terms of winning the Grand Slam trophies. But, because of the deterioration in the game of the Swiss maestro in the last couple of years, Nadal has managed to do that.

The Spaniard has shortened the gap between him and Federer quite significantly. Now, it’s just a matter of three more slams for Nadal to draw level with his greatest rival.

This gap is still big, but, the fact is that Federer is not supposed to be going to win any more slams in his career. He seems to have past his peak. However, the kind of champion he has been, he can do anything, but, for him to win a slam again from here on, it would take a miraculous effort.

As far as Nadal is concerned, he, in all likelihood, is going to have a couple of more fruitful seasons if he remains fit. So, he can surely be tipped to surpass Federer’s tally of 17 at some point of time.

When Gasquet was asked to pick one guy whom he thinks has been the greatest in the history of the game, the Frenchman said, “It has to be Roger, at least for now. Yes, it’s very much possible that Rafael Nadal breaks his record, but, at this point of time, if I have to choose one, I will go with Roger.”

Gasquet is currently in Colombia taking part in the Claro Open. He is the top seeded player there.