Wimbledon 2011: Roger Federer Cruises Into Fourth Round Quelling David Nalabandian's Challenge With Ease

David Nalbandian faced Roger Federer amidst a lot of expectations. He was the player who went on defeating Federer everywhere in the early years. Even today, he is one of the few players who boast a close 8-10 record against him.

But that is an old story. This day, in the very second game, Nalbandian was forced to drop his service game by Federer.  Nalbandian earned a break back point in the very next game, but breaking Federer is a Herculean task for almost all. Nalbandian could not return Federer serve and the opportunity went as soon as it came. Federer is able to find his best serve when he needs it. With a splendid return, Nalbandian earned a second break point, but could not convert it. The quality of tennis was high from both sides and the thunder of the crowd was an apt testimony to it. After a bit of difficulty, Federer served two consecutive aces, the second ace on a second serve, to consolidate the break. Nalbandian earned another break point in the third service game and was third time lucky to even the set score at 3-3. Nalbandian has limited resources and it was a matter of how well he selects the limited range of shots. He conceded a break point in the very next service game and Federer induced error from his racquet to convert it. Federer was playing to his capacity and that was proving to be too much for Nalbandian playing at his best too. Soon the difference started widening. Nalbandian was forced to go for more and cracks started appearing. Errors started visiting Nalbandian. He did well to win his service game but could not stop Federer from serving out the set 6-4. Federer had served seven aces in five service games and was serving at 71%.

With Federer on the ascendance, Nalbandian could not hold serve in the very first game of the second set. The only interest that remained now was how much resistance would Nalbandian be able to offer. Federer started playing unmindful of cost of loss of point. He started making numerous errors on Nalbandian’s service games. When Nalbandian called the trainer after five games, doubts emerged whether the fight could get closer. He lost his service for the second time and Federer served out the second set 6-2. Nalbandian was a beaten man at this stage.

The trainer was called again at the beginning of the third set by Nalbandian. Federer was now playing a carefree game. He gave a long rope to Nalbandian and let the set drift to 4-4 before Nalbandian committed suicide with two double faults at deuce to hand over the break to Federer on a platter. Nalbandian brought the crowd to last minute excitement by saving three match points. Federer succeeded on the fourth match point. The match was over 6-4 6-2 6-4 in one hour and forty six minutes.