Nalbandian vs. Monfils in Davis Cup semifinals

September 17, 2010 - 16:33 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Davis Cup team leader David Nalbandian looks to score a key point for visiting Argentina, as he battles talented hard-court player Gael Monfils in semifinals on September 17. The competitors are meeting for the first time since 2008, tennistalk.com reported.

World No. 15 Gael Monfils holds a slender 2-1 head-to-head series edge against singles opponent David Nalbandian. The players are scheduled to clash for the first time since the 2008 US Open, where a round of 32 victory went to the Frenchman, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Monfils is bidding for his third consecutive hard-court win in this series.

The 24-year-old will attempt to record his 30th victory of the season on Friday. Monfils put together a solid run at the 2010 US Open, having booked a berth in the quarterfinal. The Frenchman finished among the final eight before falling to eventual finalist Novak Djokovic, 6-7(2), 1-6, 2-6.

World No. 28 David Nalbandian will be looking for his 25th win Friday afternoon. The 28-year-old Argentine, once again called upon to lead three-time finalist Argentina, commences the tie with a 24-6 season record.

Nalbandian has competed well since his return from numerous injuries, having won career title No. 11 in Washington. The Argentina has advanced to the quarterfinal or better in four tournaments this year.

Nalbandian proved to be a critical presence during Argentina’s quarterfinal-round tie with Russia, as he won both singles rubbers to seal a 3-2 victory.