ATP Shanghai Masters: David Nalbandian vs. Florian Mayer

Experienced Argentine, David Nalbandian is on a path of resurrection this year. He will be playing Florian Mayer in the second round of the 2011 Shanghai ATP Masters.

David Nalbandian is ranked number 57 in the world. On the other hand, Florian Mayer is ranked 23 among ATP rankings.

Nalabandian was better known as the third best in the world years ago and he is hoping to surpass that stature this time around. The Argentine recovered from a back injury and started this year with a final spot in Auckland and a quarterfinal performance in Buenos Aires. He then strived hard to win a few matches at other events until he found some form last week in Tokyo as he reached the quarterfinals only to surrender to eventual winner Andy Murray in two tough sets.

Mayer from Germany has been a familiar name on tour for a long time now. Mayer reached the semi-final at Sydney and Zagreb. Then went on reach the quarterfinals in Dubai and then snatched a final spot in Munich before nailing a spot among the last eight in Rome. He flew to top form recently at Bucharest where he clinched the title beating Pablo Andujar in the final in straight sets. He has defeated Fabio Fognini in the first round to set up a clash against Nalbandian.

Both the players have met two times before and Nalbandian leads the head-to-head at 2-0. The last time they met was in 2005 in Basel where Nalbandian won in straight sets. Nalbandian has one of the best forehands in the game and can club them well with tactical volleys. Mayer can corner serves at will and can target backhands for winners from back of the court. Nalbandian should be able to pull out a victory in three tough sets.