Analysis for Nalbandian-Llodra (ATP Sydney)

Head-to-head record 0:0

Hopefully, we will finally break the unlucky series with retirements today. Llodra will face Nalbandian in second round at Sydney and we have already written a lot about both of these players. Llodra had the career best year in 2008. In singles, Frenchman won two tournaments in the course of two months, the first being in Adelaide, where he defeated Jarkko Nieminen in the final, and the other in Rotterdam, where he edged out Robin Soderling in a third-set tiebreak. He then entered the 2008 French Open, where he upset Tomas Berdych in the second round and went on to reach the fourth round, losing to Latvian Ernests Gulbis in straight sets. However, the end of the year was really disappointing for Llodra suffering 3 losses in a row. His opponent, on the other hand, had the solid end of year. David Nalbandian employs a very aggressive baseline game, although he is capable of playing an all-court style. His main strengths lie in his groundstrokes and return game, and are complemented by his deft accuracy and incredible foot speed. His groundstrokes are technically sound and solid from both wings, and, because of their depth, pace and consistency, opponents often have difficulty breaking down one particular side. Nalbandian's trademark shot is his two-handed backhand down the line, which he often uses to set up a point, by either hitting a clean winner or forcing a weak return from the opponent. Nalbandian is also a sound volleyer, and, if a situation calls for more aggressive play, he is often willing to finish points at the net. Nalbandian's serve is not one of his strengths. He is a better player without any doubts but Llodra posted a nice win over Gremelmayer yesterday ans looks to have turned the bad series. Nalbandian is first up and sure take a while to get into match fitness. We ecpect a tight match where Llodra should be somewhere around 2.5.