David Nalbandian downs Albert Ramos in the first round – Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2012
Former world number three, David Nalbandian, did not face any difficulty in disposing of Spain’s Albert Ramos in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, Italy in Monday.
Nalbandian and Ramos did not lose their serve in the first three games of the opening set, taking the score to 2-1 in the Argentinean’s favour. Nalbandian hit a blow in the fourth and consolidated on it to go up 4-1. The right-hander
did not let away the opportunity and closed it 6-3.
The Argentinean banged in three aces but made the same number of double faults in the first set. He did a tremendous job on the first serves, keeping the percentage at 71 and converting 22 of the 27 of them into points. The 30-year-old,
though, failed to do well on the second deliveries, as he lost eight of the 11 points on them.
Nalbandian did not take much time to move ahead in the second set, striking in the very first game and holding his next serve to attain a 2-0 advantage. They exchanged two breakthroughs in the following six to take the score to
5-3 in the Argentinean’s favour. Nalbandian did not allow his opponent to come back and captured it 6-4.
The Argentinean’s performance dropped on serve, as he hit just 54 percent of the first deliveries and won merely seven of the 15 points on them. In comparison, Ramos’ condition was worse, committing three double faults and losing
nine of the 15 second serve points. The Spaniard availed the two break chances he created but could not put away three of the seven threats he came across.
Nalbandian needed an hour and 37 minutes to oust the Spaniard in a one sided contest.
The Argentinean improved his current season’s win/loss record to 15-9 with this win. He gave his best performance at the Copa Claro, where he reached the last four, losing to the eventual winner, David Ferrer.
Nalbandian will now meet fourth seed, Andy Murray of Great Britain, in the second round. The fourth ranked player, Murray, received a bye in the opener.
Commenting on his next opponent, the Argentinean said, "It's going to be very tough. I know the way that Andy plays. I know that I have to play very well if I'm to have any chance."
This will be the seventh meeting between Nalbandian and the Brit. The 5ft 11in tall, Nalbandian, trails 2-4 in the head to head series against Murray.
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