Analysis for Federer-Nalbandian (Paris)

Head-to-head record 8:7

Roger Federer of Switzerland will fight David Nalbandian of Argentina in the third round of Paris Masters. We don´t need to write deeply about Swiss player - Roger is The One. He managed to win 5 of the last 8 tournaments he played (Basel, US Open, Cincinnati, Wimbledon and Hamburg) and played the finals at the rest of these events. He confirmed his superform by Davis Cup performance in Czech Republic - defeated both Stepanek and Berdych in memorable battles. Roger had a free ticket in the first round of Paris tournament and defeated Ivo Karlovic (6:3, 4:6, 6:3) in the second round yesterday.

However, the main reason for the this pick is the actual form of Argentine - it seemed during the year that Nalbadian's form and motivation are as down as possible. His first round losses at tournaments in Chennai (to Pless), Halle (to Gicquel), Los Angeles (to Kunitsyn) and Cincinnati (to Moya) foretold nothing good. But he got the second wind in Madrid two weeks ago and surprisingly won the tennis Masters there. Bandy has overplayed Clement, Berdych, Del Potro, Nadal, Djokovic and Federer during his memorable run. He now seems to aspire for participating at Tennis Masters Cup (even rather theoretical chance) after totally screwed up season. Our second reason for Argentina are his pronouncements after matches with world number one - his motivation and effort is doubled (he says). Our third reason is Nalbandian's easy advancement in Paris tournament - he defeated Almagro 6:4, 6:4 in the first round and Moya 6:4, 6:4 in the second one.

We will bet on a surprise with low stake.