David Nalbandian destroys Ernests Gulbis in 1st round – Shanghai Rolex Masters 2011
David Nalbandian, Argentine world No.57, lashed out on the Latvian World no 51, Ernests Gulbis, today, Monday, 10th October, ousting the 23-year-old in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4 in an hour and 32 minutes.
Playing on blue hard courts at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China Nalbandian had less difficulty overpowering the 23-year-old and making it into the 2nd round of Shanghai Rolex Masters 2011.
Although the Argentine is ranked below the Latvian, the former world number one still managed to outdo the 23-year-old thrashing him with 6 aces and 3 breakpoints. Prior to this match, Nalbandian came up against Gulbis at Indiana
Wells back in 2008. With the 1st round win in the Shanghai Rolex Masters, the Argentine now stands 2-0 in a head-to-head clash against the world No.51.
Starting off serving first, Gulbis knocked away the starter with a double game point win, 1-1. Levelling up instantly, the Argentine nearly lost a breakpoint, however, curled up winning the game, 1-1. Serving out game 3 the Latvian
went on securing the third game followed up by Nalbandian’s equalizer, 2-2.
The former world No.3 ignited when he broke and served the higher ranked challenger to lead the set 4-2. However, the Latvian came back as he served n broke the world No.57 to level up the scores at 4-4. Rallying out the next two
games, the two levelled up again at 5-5 before Nalbandian struck.
Breaking the world No.51, the Argentine sensation swirled away serving out game 12 and winning the first set 7-5. Left out with just one more set to win the fixture, Nalbandian then stood to return again as Gulbis served the 2nd
set opener.
Serving out the first game, the Latvian took the lead, 1-0, followed by the world No.57 gaining back and equalling next, 1-1. With a game win each for the two, 2-2, levelled up again before Gulbis fell short again. Nalbandian hammered
the higher ranked Latvian breaking him in game 5 and serving out game 6 to lead the set 4-2.
With just two more games to win the match, Nalbandian served out two out the next three games, with a triple game point win the final game, game 10, mustering away with the second set, 6-2, to win the match in straight sets.
Through to the 2nd round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2011, Nalbandian now stands tall against the world No.23, Florian Mayer as they battle it out for the 3rd round seat of the ATP Masters Tour 1000.
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