Milos
Raonic and David Nalbandian will clash in the first round of Mutua Madrid Open
for the first time. Nalbandian concedes 8 years in age, six inches in height
and 26 places in ranking to Raonic.
Raonic is
riding high with two titles this year and a good showing in the other
tournaments so far. He excels Nalbandian in the departments of serve and
forehand whereas Nalbandian can claim a better backhand and consistency. Raonic
has the youth, Nalbandian has the experience.
Hailing
from Argentina, clay is no demon to Nalbandian. He has done well in the South
American clay tournaments in the past. In his earliest days, he was considered
a nemesis to Federer having had five straight victories over him including one
on clay. Two years after the hip surgery in 2009, he returned to the top twenty last year only to slip down again during the past twelve months. Raonic has had his share of hip surgery after retiring in the
second round of Wimbledon last year. However, he has found his rhythm in 2012
and has posted victories over higher ranked opponents including one over Andy
Murray on clay in Barcelona last week. Nalbandian has the capacity to match Raonic
shot for shot in the baseline rallies, but that would occur if he is able to
force Raonic into them. In every service game, Raonic is going to serve one ace
and one unreturnable serve. Nalbandian does not belong to the school of fast
servers. His serves come in the vicinity of a modest 175 kmph. Raonic takes
risks with return of serve trying to hit clean winners. His high kicking second
serve is likely to pose problems to a shorter statured Nalbandian. However, Nalbandian has played with all type
of big servers and in the last Australian Open, he took John Isner to five sets
before succumbing 8-10 in the decider.
Raonic has
a better attacking game and Nalbandian has a better defence. On current form,
Raonic is the clear favourite to race away into the second round before the
blue dust settles for Nalbandian in Madrid.
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