*Ed. Note: Peter Bodo is on vacation until the 16th. In his place, we are proud to present a series of guest contributions.
*At what point does a tennis player realize that his talent has become de rigueur? That thought, alone, could easily cause fear to flood the brain and body. Fear that, if the desire evaporates, he can no longer afford the luxuries to which he has become accustomed. There go the glossy magazine spreads, five-star hotels, and three-star restaurants, not to mention the racing cars. Has David Nalbandian lost his mojo, too?
Perhaps Nalbandian never truly had mojo. And, if he employs an astute agent, that might not be such a hindrance -- a few good deals could allow David to afford to be a dilettante for the rest of his days.
It may be unfair to compare Nalbandian to Andy Roddick. David, after all, was affected by a health glitch this spring; however, he has won one ATP title (Estoril) this year as well as reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, Miami, Rome, and the French Open. These are no mean achievements, so, it begs the question: Why do aficionados of tennis doubt Ol' Blue Eyes' ability to ever win a Slam?
Nalbandian appears, superficially at least, to be the Serena Williams of Argentine tennis. While he hasn't won seven Majors, his accomplishments are not to be scoffed at. They include winning the 1998 USO Jrs.(d. Federer) at the beginning of his career as well as the 2005 YEC Masters Tournament. But, like Serena, Nalbandian's off-court interests tend to distract him from the job at hand. As one TW contributor recently observed, who wouldn't give in to the sybaritic pleasures to be found by a young man with pots of shekels, dashing good looks, and prodigious athletic abilities?
What is it, then, that separates David Nalbandian, world #3 and premier Argentine tennis player, from the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal? Could it be the same affliction that has beset Ljubicic, Blake, and Roddick from time to time, a lack of motive? After all, Nalbandian admitted that he was more concerned with the World Cup that his third-round performance at Wimbledon. He has not shown the unrelenting determination and motivation that comprises a large part of the metaphysical aspect of any sport.
This invokes many questions.. Is Nalbandian just another hot jock, playboy wannabe? Does every top-5 tennis player have to be a winner? In fact, is there anything wrong with playing a well-rounded, fabulous game of tennis that's good enough to give the brightest stars in the game a run for their money? Will Nalbandian go deep in the USO draw this year?
The World Cup is history. It may be prudent to check racing schedules (astrology, anyone?) before making our predictions. David has attained success on all surfaces, so that isn't an issue. Is his health good? It seems to be sufficiently glowing to attract paparazzi at his latest venture to the beauty salon. The chief variables are Nalbandian's talent and will it suffice, and his mindset come zero hour.
Has Nalbandian given any indication that his abilities preclude his holding the winner's trophy at Flushing Meadows? In my opinion, no. Is David capable of beating a healthy Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer? Theoretically there is nothing in his game that would prevent him, so, my answer is -- yes. David and Roger are even in head-to-head. Though Nalbandian dominated their early encounters, Federer has clearly been in control the past few years. Nadal is a different story; he and David have never faced each other in an ATP or Masters event. This might prove to be the most anticipated match-up -- the mysterious and elusive opportunity that has never presented itself.
Serious discussion aside and superfluous though the idea may be, it seems convincing that the deal maker and breaker here could be Nike. If they can afford that jacket for Roger Federer, surely they can clothe and outfit David Nalbandian. Ok, ok, the Yonex racquet gets the job done. However, David, for one so desirous of basking in the limelight, don't you think you'd feel so much more handsome, a touch quicker, and produce many more beautiful, hidden drop-shots if you looked as splendid as Roger or Rafa? C'mon, Nike, cinch the deal and lay some togs on El Argentino for the US Open and I say he takes the trophy home to Cordoba.
--daylily