Monaco or Nalbandian

by Jeremy_Kyle Thu 01 Dec 2011, 10:41 pm

The Argentina's Davis Cup coach doesn't have an easy task on his hand, having to choose between Monaco and Nalbandian: one being the in-form player right now, the other a lot classier, but certainly past his peak.

Looks like Agentinians' hopes are all in the hands of Juan Martin Del Potro , who ,for tomorrow, may have what it takes to win his match against Ferrer, keeping this final alive.

Difficult instead to see Monaco succeed against Nadal, on the Spanish soil; for this kind of miracle matches, maybe, Nalby was the more appropriate man to pick.

by Mad for Chelsea Thu 01 Dec 2011, 10:46 pm

Monaco doesn't have the weapons to beat Nadal, certainly not on clay. On that basis I'd play Nalbandian in the first round of singles (against Nadal) and see how he goes. If he plays well (even if he loses) then I'd keep him in for the (potentially DC-deciding) final match, but if not I'd go with Monaco, who as you say is in form.

by noleisthebest Thu 01 Dec 2011, 10:49 pm

Maybe the Argentians area oging to pull Pico out stg like a last minute change, i.e this could all be just a tactical smoke-screen.

by Guest Thu 01 Dec 2011, 10:50 pm

Definitely would have picked Nalby.

If he hits a hot streak he could beat Nadal.

Monaco against Nadal is a certain loss. Don't understand the logic.

by break_in_the_fifth Thu 01 Dec 2011, 10:56 pm

Nalbandian was the obvious choice; he's fearless against top players.

by Mad for Chelsea Thu 01 Dec 2011, 10:56 pm

emancipator Very Happy

I agree

there's no way Monaco will beat Nadal on clay.

Nalbandian probably wouldn't either, but he would surely have had a better chance.

Odd decision

by wow Thu 01 Dec 2011, 11:16 pm

I say Monaco as he was on hot run until he ran into fed.

by time please Thu 01 Dec 2011, 11:54 pm

Perhaps Nalbandian is being saved for the doubles? There is no doubt that Rafa will beat Pico in 3, pretty swiftly - but if Del Potro can hold off Ferrer, and Nalbandian and other guy could squeak the doubles, maybe Juan Martin could hold off Nadal on Sunday?

I think it is a pragmatic choice for tomorrow against Nadal, and the hopes lie in the Delpo/Ferrer encounter, the doubles and the Delpo/Nadal........if there is any hope to be had for Argentina Wink

by invisiblecoolers Fri 02 Dec 2011, 4:47 am

Monaco no way will beat even an out of form Nadal on clay, certainly won't beat this Ferrer of acute form, so if he gonna play 2 matches, spain will win 2 matches with ease.

I would certainly cast Nalby 2 play the final rubber against Ferrer, if Del Potro can do a double strike, Nalbanadian can do the final miracle if Del Boy can kick start it, I guess Nalby for the last match is still the surprise card held by Argentian coach.

by prostaff85 Fri 02 Dec 2011, 7:23 am

I'm afraid with this tactic it might be too late to bring on "secret weapon" Nalbandian for last singles match...

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 8:17 am

It's a tough decision. At first I was surprised by Monaco's choice as I thought Nalbandian would be by far the better choice. Maybe the coach wants to tire Nadal and preserve Nalbandian for the last match as Nalby has more nerves when it matters.

A close call. Nalbandian did not last more than a set v Nadal at the USO and therefore thought on clay it was better to preserve the old man v a tired Ferrer.

Vamos Argentina. It's a country with tons of tennis talent but never won the cup (poor nerves in general). Plus my son has an Argentinian exchange this week so I have no choice.

I'd like to see the points coming from:

Delpo beating Nadal and Ferrer (2pts)
Nalaby beating Ferrer (1pt)
Double ...we never know.

by time please Fri 02 Dec 2011, 9:39 am

I'd like to see Argentina pull this one off too Tenez - hope it is a happy outcome for your son's Argentinian exchange!

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 9:59 am

time please wrote:I'd like to see Argentina pull this one off too Tenez - hope it is a happy outcome for your son's Argentinian exchange!

It's going to be very tough though. It might be over today if Delpo doesn't win his match.

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 12:36 pm

Tenez,
does this mean yo have an Argentinian at home at the moment? Would be priceless to hear some comments from him/her Smile

I could just imagine the madness in Argentina if their team won DC. It would be so lovely; I remember when Delpo got the red-carpet treatment and a fire-engine parade...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Qg6J04XZhR4/SrNK0dfGdnI/AAAAAAAAJpk/HrZ0vi5zk28/s400/5f9c4d948a7ce510513f3ccd94e0098a-getty-tennis-argentina-us_open-del_potro-tandil.jpg

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 12:41 pm

Yes, his name is Etienne. Very nice 16yo boy and is a big fan of tennis and football of course.

But guess what? he hates Murray's game. Laugh

He doesn;t understand how someone with a sliced BH and loopy FH can win as much! (I am not kidding it's the first thing he said in our first tennis discussion without even me mentioning Murray. You know me! I was only talking about Nadal!- whom he likes)!

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 12:44 pm

Tenez wrote:Yes, his name is Etienne. Very nice 16yo boy and is a big fan of tennis and football of course.

But guess what? he hates Murray's game.

He doesn;t understand how someone with a sliced BH and loopy FH can win as much! (I am not kidding it's the first thing he said in our first tennis discussion without even me mentioning Murray. You know me! I was only talking about Nadal!- whom he likes)!

tell him a Nole fan thinks that Murray has been trying to copy Nadal's forehand recently so he must like him as well !

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:03 pm

Just starting now... Pico playing. The atmosphere's already mad. The venue looks quite weird with a third of the stadium EMPTY?! Shocked

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:04 pm

Apparently it's the football club stadium with the roof built specially for this match Shocked

by Jeremy_Kyle Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:05 pm

it's difficult to see Monaco make an impact in today's match. A very tough proposition in general for the Argentinian team. Nontheless I would love to see them put up a good fight in this final and take their chances to grab a long awaited cup.

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:06 pm

Jeremy_Kyle wrote:it's difficult to see Monaco make an impact in today's match. A very tough proposition in general for the Argentinian team. Nontheless I would love to see them put up a good fight in this final and take their chances to grab a long awaited cup.

Well at least he can have a go....he's a good clay-courter and that's where I enjoy watching his game most, esp his drop-shots. He rarely has a chance to play top players, hasn't played a lot of tennis this year, so will be very fresh and motivated. He's got about 5% for a win though...

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:08 pm

Nice to see players wearing national colours....

by **laverfan** Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:09 pm

Can Rusedski be let go from SKY? He adds no value or analysis. Sad

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:26 pm

laverfan wrote:Can Rusedski be let go from SKY? He adds no value or analysis.

Another reason not to make Murdoch even richer..... laughing

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:30 pm

Anyone watching? Very interesting. Monaco doesn't play to win but to make Nadal run.

by Guest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:31 pm

Nadal breaks

by **laverfan** Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:32 pm

Tenez wrote:Anyone watching? Very interesting. Monaco doesn't play to win but to make Nadal run.

Softening Nadal for Del Potro in the first reverse singles rubber. Erm

by Jeremy_Kyle Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:33 pm

noleisthebest wrote:
Jeremy_Kyle wrote:it's difficult to see Monaco make an impact in today's match. A very tough proposition in general for the Argentinian team. Nontheless I would love to see them put up a good fight in this final and take their chances to grab a long awaited cup.

Well at least he can have a go....he's a good clay-courter and that's where I enjoy watching his game most, esp his drop-shots. He rarely has a chance to play top players, hasn't played a lot of tennis this year, so will be very fresh and motivated. He's got about 5% for a win though...

Yes, I think Monaco is an excellent player as well. This year has been his best year, having reached the final in Valencia and the quarters in Paris. I really hope he can break through in 2012.

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:35 pm

laverfan wrote:
Tenez wrote:Anyone watching? Very interesting. Monaco doesn't play to win but to make Nadal run.

Softening Nadal for Del Potro in the first reverse singles rubber.

Obvious!

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:36 pm

I'm watching Smile

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:38 pm

toweling sessions..... BAN THOSE TOWELS furious

!!!!!!

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:39 pm

Nada's moonballing is worse than ever....has he no shame?

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:41 pm

Nadal clearly believes he's fitter than poor Pico....

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:42 pm

noleisthebest wrote:Nada's moonballing is worse than ever....has he no shame?

I have a player like that in my club who thinks he is good. I say the same thing! Shameless tennis.

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:48 pm

Plus the clay looks extra slow.....poor Delpo...

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:50 pm

noleisthebest wrote:Plus the clay looks extra slow.....poor Delpo...

Who knows. If one player can make slow courts look fast, it's him!

by Guest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 1:57 pm

This is gonna be a massacre

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:00 pm

emancipator wrote:This is gonna be a massacre

Monaco is not playing badly, he's just being himself plus the clay is on the slow side, they look like they're wading thorugh it.

by Mad for Chelsea Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:02 pm

Nadal in total control, as expected. He's a different animal on clay.

by Guest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:24 pm

OMG.. The Nadull just won the most ridiculous point.

Monaco should have won that point at least four times over.

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:27 pm

Monaco's legs were sculpted in a matchstick.

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:33 pm

In 2010 Nadal was not winning on clay as convincingly as today. Those who say he is declining again are wrong.

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:35 pm

Nadal looking puffed out a bit....

by Guest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:41 pm

Yeah he's looking really tired, leading 6-1, 5-1 Rolling Eyes

The Argie captain must be a genius to have picked Monaco.

At this rate Nadal will have nothing left for the next match Rolling Eyes

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:47 pm

surely Monaco can last longer than a set....?

by Tenez Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:48 pm

noleisthebest wrote:surely Monaco can last longer than a set....?

He only last a game!

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:51 pm

Tenez wrote:
noleisthebest wrote:surely Monaco can last longer than a set....?

He only last a game!

I don't know whether to Very Happy

or

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 2:52 pm

Nadal looking his old self at the moment.

by wow Fri 02 Dec 2011, 3:39 pm

Tenez wrote:In 2010 Nadal was not winning on clay as convincingly as today. Those who say he is declining again are wrong.

And who exactly are they? I am one of them but I must say that this Davis cup is no tennis. The ball appears to be so dead.

by noleisthebest Fri 02 Dec 2011, 3:41 pm

The agony is over....

by break_in_the_fifth Fri 02 Dec 2011, 3:42 pm

Surely if they only wanted to make Nadal run then Nalbandian again would have been a better player.

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