He's Back: Long Live King David

He's never been in the talk among the greats, and obviously shouldn't be. Despite winning Washington, his record tells that it is too soon to anoint him as a favorite for the US Open. Nalbandian does not fear any opponent, but his mentality is fragile at the biggest moments (except DC), and his fitness extremely variable, leading to inconsistency. As a fan, I would love to see him finally deliver and win a Major, and then achieve his greatest dream, the Davis Cup. But this short article is not about his chances. Here I wish to pay a small tribute to a major contribution to the sport: his game.

Inconsistency makes his career not great, but you can't say the same for his in-form game. It is sublime, godly, out of this world. He is arguably one of a very select group who could beat Federer or Nadal at their best in most surfaces. In an era of big hitters, Nalbandian's style serves to show the importance of tactics. No matter how fast or strong a player is, shot placement and spin selection will always be the most important part of the game. All great players are testament to this claim. 

Murray may be a good tactician, but still hasn't figured out how to apply his intelligence beyond a CP style. David, on the other hand, understands the transition game perfectly. That way he takes time off his opponents with his wide angles and crazy spins, and then closes at the net or hits a winner from the back of the court. Or brings his opponent to the net and then lobs him so naturally. It is not high risk, going for broke a-la Gonzalez. It is a patient, careful craft of the point. The best example of when simple is beautiful. Tennis made look easy, but only us who play can admire what it takes to do it: world class hands and spatial intelligence.

David has all of the shots a 5'11 frame can deliver, but most importantly, chosen at the right moment. He is surprisingly an excellent mover for his weight and that allows him to hit his shots with power and precision. Not as flashy as Federer, as athletic as Djokovic, or as powerful as Del Potro, he carries his own brand of tennis, an evolved version of Agassi's and more complete than that of Davydenko, who plays a similar style. I sometimes ask myself if Federer had been as good if he hadn't had Nalbandian as his nemesis in his Junior and early Pro years. I am pretty sure many others have benefited from studying him and many more will, and should, in the future. 

To somebody new to the game, you could tell him or her regarding this generation of players. "If you want to learn how to compete, watch Nadal. Play beautifully? Watch Federer. But if you wish to really learn how to play tennis, watch Nalbandian, coz he is the master of them all."