David Nalbandian of Argentina handed out a tennis lesson to world number two Rafael Nadal to win his second straight Masters Series title in Paris on Sunday.
The Argentinian won at a canter 6-4, 6-0 taking nine games in a row from 3-4 down in the first set against an increasingly disillusioned-looking Spaniard, who has been struggling with his fitness since the summer.
It was Nalbandian’s second straight win in one of the Masters Series tournaments having defeated world number one Roger Federer in the final of the Madrid Masters last month.
He also defeated Federer in Paris at the third round (last 16) stage, but unless someone withdraws through injury he will not be able to compete in the Masters Series finals in Shanghai later this month.
The win in Paris hoists him to ninth in the ATP Masters Series race, but only eight players qualify.
”I played magnificently all week and in Madrid and I am so happy,” said Nalbandian, who has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks after what had been for him a disappointing season.
In Madrid, he defeated the top three players in the world — Federer, Nadal and Djokovic and in Paris he once again despatched the top two — Federer and Nadal.
The former world number three lost only one set in Paris — to Spain’s David Ferrer in the quarterfinals.
Nalbandian admitted these two Masters Series triumphs in a row represented a high point in his career.
”I was injured the first part of the year,” Nalbandian said. ”So it wasn’t very easy for me to come back and play good tennis.”
For Nadal, it was the end to a 25-match winning streak in Paris taking in three French Open titles and his four wins here to get to the final.
But he was gracious in defeat: ”I wasn’t playing my best, and David played unbelievably.
”He is playing at 100% all the time at the moment and is in great form after his win in Madrid. I congratulate David on a great tournament.”
Nadal will be seeded two behind Federer in Shanghai which starts on November 12. – Sapa-AFP