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Juan Martin Del Potro and David Nalbandian have started 2009 with championship titles in Auckland and Sydney respectively, leading one to think that the two Argentines could head well into the second week of the Australian Open.
Del Potro’s win against American Sam Querrey in the Heineken Open was full of class and flair from the twenty-year-old, who became the first player in ATP history to win his first four tournaments in a row last year.
This remarkable achievement saw Del Potro break into the top ten for the first time in his career, currently sitting at No.9 in the ATP rankings.
His championship in Auckland was his fifth title and it showcases the confidence and belief that Del Potro has at the moment.
Del Potro’s opponent in the final was the big-serving Querrey, who now has a growing reputation as the USA’s next big thing in men’s tennis.
Querrey only enhanced his reputation in the Auckland semi-final when he outlasted Spaniard David Ferrer in three sets when the American was a match point down at one stage.
Despite Querrey nailing down ten aces against Del Potro in the final, the young Argentine showcased the skill and nerve that will make him a big threat when the Australian Open kicks off today.
Del Potro had few opportunities to break the serve of Querrey. But when the chance came, he took it without hesitation, hence establishing the killer instinct that derives in today’s best players.
The young Argentine played the key points to perfection to eventually defeat Querrey in straight sets 6-4 6-4.
With this victory, Del Potro now heads to Melbourne as one of the main title threats to the established top order of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
If all goes well for Del Potro in the lead-up to the quarterfinal, his most likely opponent will be Federer in a showdown that could possibly make the career of the youngest player in the top ten.
Del Potro’s compatriot David Nalbandian also promises to deliver when the first Grand Slam opens.
The world No.11 defeated Finland player Jarkko Niemienen in three tough sets 6-3 6-7 6-2 to win the Sydney Medibank international.
With his tenth career title under his belt, Nalbandian will be hoping that this championship will give him the confidence to rediscover his consistency after a lean year in Grand Slams last season.
Many label Nalbandian as the best player of his generation never to win a Grand Slam title.
Although his best form puts him on par with the likes of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, Nalbandian has failed on most occasions to finish off opponents quickly in finals; something that the top four players do very well.
Against Niemenen, Nalbandian failed to once again serve out the match in the second set and it nearly cost the Argentine dearly.
If it were against a Federer or Nadal, Nalbandian would have surely finished runner-up.
Although his win will give him confidence heading into Melbourne, Nalbandian needs to adopt a no mercy approach in order to land his maiden Grand Slam title.
Could this be his year?