Roger Federer vs David Nalbandian: Preview

Roger Federer has been in ominous form. In his bid for a 7th Wimbledon title, his next hurdle lurks in the form of a dangerous opponent, his old foe, David Nalbandian. This will be their first meeting on grass. Get ready to be amazed by some enthralling action when the current World No.3 Roger Federer takes on former World No.3 David Nalbandian in a hugely anticipated third round clash in the second match on the Center Court.

BREAKDOWN:

Davis'd backhand will be the trumpcard

So far, it has been a smooth sailing for the Swiss Maestro. This will be the first major hurdle between him and a 7th Wimbledon trophy. Roger Federer has won a single title this season at Doha. A semifinalist at the Australian Open and a finalist at the Roland Garros, he has been highly unsuccessful against the top two players. He revenged his losses to the Serb at his year’s French Open semifinal which broke Novak’s incredible run of 42 match winning streak as well as denied him a World No.1 ranking. Though he incurred another loss at the hands of the Spaniard in the final, the form and consistency he has shown at 29, is incredible and poses a real threat to the title this year.

David Nalbandian has been plagued by a series of injuries this season. After getting the better of the Aussie Hewitt at this year’s Australian Open first round in a thrilling five set encounter, he had to retire in the second round due to injury. At 11-5 win loss record this season, the Argentine seems to improve with every match he has played at the Championships. In February, he reached the quarterfinals at Buenos Aires and his comeback was once again halted due to a surgery on his left leg.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

The pair has met 16 times and the record tilts slightly in favor of the Swiss at 10-8. Federer earned a straight sets victory over the Argentine in their last encounter in 2008 Basel.

MATCH POINT:

The last time Roger suffered defeat against Nalbandian, was four years ago in Madrid where a barrage of world class backhands from the Argentine did all the damage. And to have any hope of pushing the champion to the limit, the shot has to get clicking. Though Federer’s ground-strokes and speed have become fragile, yet his serve is as powerful as it used to be. And if the first serve percentage and ace count remain high, it will be difficult for the World No. 23 to break into Roger’s service games.

Still Federer holds the edge and I go with Federer in three though the possibility of the Argentine taking a set off the champion cannot be ruled out.