Nalbandian First Argentine Finalist in 31 Years
Nalbandian reaches his first finale final. By Bill Scott
David Nalbandian (audio) posted a 6-0, 7-5 defeat of Nikolay Davydenko Saturday to move into the Tennis Masters Cup 2005 final Sunday against Roger Federer.
Argentine Nalbandian is a rare species in tennis - one of the few players with a winning record (5-4) against the hottest hand in the game.
With Federer crushing Nalbandian's compatriot Gaston Gaudio 6-0, 6-0 in the semis, the Swiss is well-set for a run at his third consecutive Tennis Masters Cup trophy.
Nalbandian gave him trouble in a Red group match at the start of the week at the new Qi Zhong tennis center and will be hoping to buck the odds against the winner of 11 titles this season.
Nalbandian started out a tear against Davydenko, the fifth seed. The No. 8 Argentine produced a love opening set which took just 25 minutes.
Davydenko committed 13 errors to all but give it away.
But Russian resistance stiffened in the second, with that set going on serve until Davydenko grabbed a 4-2 lead. But a Nalbandian fight back with two more breaks secured success.
The Argentine served out the victory in just under 90 minutes, striking 21 winners and limiting his errors to a mere 13.
Davydenko got one look at a break point against the eight seed, converting it in the second set. But 29 unforced errors was a major weight on his game.
Nalbandian broke on five of ten chances; he becomes the first Argentine to reach the final for 31 years, since Guillermo Vilas won the Masters title in 1974.
Exclusive Audio | Press Transcripts
Thursday: Federer Again Needs 3 Sets to Win
Wednesday: Davydenko Remains Perfect in Shanghai
Tuesday: Federer Pushed to Limit by Ljubicic
Monday: Davydenko Defeats Injured Agassi
Sunday: Federer Wins Masters Cup Opener
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