Nalbandian returns to winning ways

David Nalbandian made the final 16 at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic Wednesday evening, following his straight-set victory over seventh seed Stanislas Wawrinka. The Argentinean was given a wildcard into the
event after missing much of the last two seasons with injury.

It’s been a nightmare spell for the 28 year old. Nalbandian was ranked as high as No 3 in the world and reached the final at Wimbledon in 2002. But he hasn't played in
a tournament since losing in the quarter-finals at Monte Carlo in April, and ATP tour betting pundits note how he has dropped to 117^th in the world.

Hip surgery last May meant Nalbandian had to spend nine months out of action. He returned to action earlier this year only to tear his hamstring ruling him out of the French Open then Wimbledon. Nalbandian will be chomping at the bit to play
in his first grand slam tournament since last year’s Australian Open.

Nalbandian was a semi finalist at Flushing Meadows back in 2003, losing to eventual winner Andy Roddick in five sets. He made the quarter finals in 2005 again losing to the eventual winner, this time Roger
Federer. Despite never making the step up to grand slam winner, Nalbandian has
consistently won tour titles throughout his career, the last of his ten titles
coming early in 2009, at the Medibank International in Sydney.

It’s been a long road to recovery for the Argentinean. If he can stay fit, Nalbandian could be up there with the favourite odds to win 2010 US Open tennis matches.