Argentines Overcome Spaniards—Nathan’s Blog

Written by: Staff on 3rd December 2011

Argentines Overcome Spaniards—Nathan’s Blog |

By: Nathan M. Cuny

It looks like Argentina’s back in the mix after doubles teammates David Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank scored Argentina’s first point of the Davis Cup finals. Spain remains in the lead by one point, and the tournament moves onto its third day on Sunday, December 4^th, where fans can catch the excitement of Nadal vs. del Potro.

Fellow Argentines David Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank defeated the Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday. Schwank and Nalbandian were favored over Lopez and Verdasco coming into the match. The last tournament Schwank and Nalbandian played together was back in 2008. Even with three years between Saturday’s match and their last tournament together, their chemistry matched perfectly.

Argentina’s first break came during the fifth game of the first set. The Argentines held serve leading to 5-4. It was Schwank’s tightening at the 5-4 mark along with Nalbandian’s net interceptions right in the nick of time that really got the Argentines juices flowing.

Fernando Verdasco displayed his fury during the second set after losing four games in a row—he threw his racket down criticizing himself as Spain’s chances for taking the second set evaporated. Following the match Verdasco stated, “There are just days that things don’t go through, and today was one of those days. I really did try and fight all the time, and it was not possible this time.”

In the last game of the third set David Nalbandian converted the 30/40 match point with a strong forehand that Fernando Verdasco volleyed right into the net. Following the match, Nalbandian commented on Argentina’s success, stating, “I really like playing doubles and I am really motivated when I play for my country. I think today we played a great match from the beginning and it was unbelievable for us. We were focused and didn’t lose our concentration, even a little bit. We kept in control during the match, to stay in the tie, and we still have a chance.”

This match truly belonged to the two Argentines. Nalbandian and Schwank won 20 of 38 points at the net, hitting 31 winners while dropping 23 points on serve. Verdasco and Lopez did not convert any of their three break point opportunities, committing 26 unforced errors by the end of the two hour match.

Attention has shifted to Sunday’s match between del Potro and Nadal. Argentina is hoping del Potro will overcome Nadal, who recently got his mojo back. Argentina’s Davis Cup captain stated, “[Tomorrow’s singles] is very difficult. We were hoping del Potro would win the singles yesterday [against Ferrer], but if anyone is capable of beating Nadal it is Juan Martin. We are hoping to make it two-all, then we will see what happens.” Spain’s one point lead may not hold out for long. Then again there has been some concern about the state of del Potro after Ferrer wore him to the bone during Friday’s five set match.

Topics: Davis Cup Finals