Nalbandian set on more success

David Nalbandian set out to prove his appearance in last year’s final was no flash in the pan with an impressive first round victory at Wimbledon.

Nalbandian was expected to face a tough test against former semi-finalist Vladimir Voltchkov, who should have beaten eventual winner Greg Rusedski in the Samsung Open last week.

But the 21-year-old Argentinian recorded a comfortable 7-5 6-4 6-2 victory to book a second round clash with Brazil’s Andre Sa, who was leading 6-2 3-2 when opponent Mariano Puerta retired hurt.

Nalbandian could face Britain’s Tim Henman in the fourth round, and on this evidence and that of Henman’s first round struggle to overcome ’lucky loser’ Tomas Zib, the sixth seed would have to be favourite.

Fellow Argentinian Guillermo Coria became the highest seed after Lleyton Hewitt to bow out, although he was not exactly surprised at losing in straight sets to Belgium’s Olivier Rochus

“I knew it could happen since I only prepared for three days because after Roland Garros (where he lost in the semi-final to Martin Verkerk) I relaxed and I’ve been in Argentina, so I cannot complain,” he said.

“However, I am angry for having lost in the first round. I had chances to win the second set, but he played too good.”

Belgium’s Xavier Malisse also crashed out in the first round, last year’s beaten semi-finalist losing in straight sets to French qualifier Cyril Saulnier.

Saulnier had won just one previous grand slam match in his career but outplayed the 14th seed to win 6-4 6-3 6-2 and set up a second round match with Australia’s Mark Philippoussis.

Philippoussis recovered from the loss of the second set to beat Argentina’s Mariano Zabaleta 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-2 and must be considered a genuine contender to emerge from the bottom half of the draw.

The major stumbling block is of course second seed Andre Agassi, who surprisingly lost a set to Britain’s Jamie Delgado before winning in four sets on Centre Court.