Nalbandian against Ungur in Davis Cup opening match

March 4, 2011 - 10:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - David Nalbandian will nurse a groin injury against Adrian Ungur in the opening match of the Davis Cup tie between Argentina and Romania on March 4.

The draw pitted Juan Monaco of Argentina against Victor Hanescu in the second singles.

The doubles on March 5 will see Argentine pair Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank against Hanescu and Horia Tecau. The reverse singles are on March 6.

Argentina was a heavy favorite to reach the quarterfinals, but much will depend on Nalbandian's health. The injury forced him to withdraw from last week's Mexican Open, which followed a loss to Spain's Tommy Robredo in an ATP clay-court tournament two weeks ago in Buenos Aires.

"I'm fine and it's getting better every day," Nalbandian said at the draw. "I feel pretty good and I hope I don't have to play on Sunday," he added, hinting he'd like the tie to be wrapped up in Saturday's doubles, NDTV reports

Ungur, unexpectedly chosen ahead of Victor Crivoi, was ranked 183rd, and made his Davis Cup debut only last year. This will be his first tie away from home.

Nalbandian suggested the thrill of playing in the Davis Cup might help him overcome the injury.

"Playing the Davis Cup is special and no match on the circuit gives you the same feeling," he said. "And playing at home adds to the motivation."

Nalbandian has won 10 of 11 singles in Argentina, and he's an impressive 20-5 in singles overall since his debut nine years ago.