Classic Rewind: Roger Federer vs. David Nalbandian 2005 ATP Tennis Masters Cup

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: November 5, 2010

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In 2005 the venue for the Tennis Masters Cup Final—the ATP’s year-end championship—moved to Shanghai from Houston.

Awarding China the honor of hosting the event was a coup—a great step forward in promoting professional tennis to millions of new tennis fans.

The Chinese, increasingly enamored of men’s professional tennis, especially the play of Roger Federer, the current world No. 1, felt pride in providing the best possible environment for the players.  

Problems, however, facing the ATP and the sponsors of the event to be held in Qi Zhong City Arena for the first time had nothing to do with the Arena or any physical accommodations. 

As the tournament neared, No. 2 Rafael Nadal pulled out of the competition following the withdrawal of No. 3 Andy Roddick—both citing injuries.

Also sidelined for the event was No. 4 Lleyton Hewitt.  No. 5 Andre Agassi along with Marat Safin, winner of the 2005 Australian Open, also pulled out of the round robin competition.

The majority of the eight top-ranked men were unable to compete.

Somewhat reluctantly, Roger Federer came to Shanghai after a six-week layoff nursing a right ankle injury. He had sported crutches only three weeks prior to the start of the tournament.

The Swiss felt pressure to play as most of the top eight sat hobbled, unable to compete.

The success of the tournament seemed to depend on Federer, allowing the hosts to save face by featuring matches with the World No. 1 in action.

Needless to say, Federer was not match strong or in the best of shape after his long lay-off. Nonetheless, he committed to play, understanding that his chances to win were slim because this event did not allow him the opportunity to “play his way in.”

Federer also entered this tournament hoping for a chance to equal John McEnroe’s record for best winning percent...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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