US Open 2012: Del Potro Versus Nalbandian - Preview

Juan Martin Del Potro has an intriguing match with David Nalbandian in the first round. They have not faced each other since 2008. Del Potro’s career is on the upswing while that of Nalbandian is going down. Nalbandian’s last title came in 2010 on the hard courts of Washington. Del Potro has won two ATP titles this year, one on clay and one on indoor hard court besides the Olympic bronze medal on Wimbledon grass. He returned to top ten this year since wrist injury in 2010 after rising from 485 in 2011. Nalbandian is seven inches shorter and seven years older.

They both play aggressive tennis from the baseline. The rallies are not elongated. Del Potro hits the ball harder, but Nalbandian is more consistent. Nalbandian has better proficiency on his backhand whereas Del Potro sometimes runs around his backhand. Nalbandian moves well for his age and weight, and so does Del Potro for his height, but mobility is not their strong point otherwise. Nalbandian is a clean striker but requires good balance to execute his shots. Del Potro is likely to take time away from Nalbandian through sheer power behind his ground strokes. Net play is not a strong point of Del Potro, but Nalbandian does not have the type of game which can exploit this weakness. He also does not play the low slices that Roger Federer does to deny comfort zone for Del Potro.

It is the first serve that is going to tilt the balance in Del Potro’s favour. Nalbandian lacks speed on his first serve. Del Potro has the advantage of height on serve and takes numerous free points through aces.

Being compatriots, they have practised together and know each other’s game well. They will come out with a definite game plan. How well they will be able to execute it will depend upon their level of play on the day. As it is, Del Potro is the firm favourite to progress to the second round.