Davi(d) Cup Wrap Up: Day 1

This post is dedicated to the KING of Davis Cup:  David Nalbandian.   Nalby, who's career has oft been overshadowed by injuries and is frequently called "the best player to have never won a slam," ALWAYS rises to the occasion in Davis Cup, and now boasts a 33-10 DC record after his defeat of Viktor Troiki today in the first singles rubber of the Argentina vs. Serbia semifinal tie. 

When his game is red hot it is always a treasure to behold, and I audibly oooh and ahhhh during his matches, especially when he comes to the the net.  I think my tweet during his match today sums up my love for him best:

Serbia, the defending champion, is currently down 0-2 to Argentina, with the possible decisive blow coming tomorrow when Juan Monaco and Juan Ignacio Chela take on Nenad Zimonjic and Janko Tipsarevic in the doubles rubber.

France also took a walloping today by the 2009 Davis Cup champions, Spain.  Rafael Nadal, worn and weary from his two week run at the US Open, played the first singles rubber and made quick work of his friend Richard Gasquet on the red clay.  After the match Richie said:

Even a tired Nadal remains an exceptional player. I couldn't find a way past him. It's a defeat that really hurts.

Spain is currently up 2-0 in that semifinal tie.

Other DC happenings:

Dudi Sela apparently climbed up the umpire chair to argue about a line call.  (I'm still looking for the YouTube video.)

Fernando Gonzalez continues to be plagued by injuries.  Today he was forced to retire in his match against Fabio Fognini with a left leg injury and left the court in tears.   At 31 years old, it will remain to be seen if he can come back from injury yet again, but for all who adore his blistering forehand (me included) I hope so.

And here are my favorite fan pictures of the day:  THIS guy should just be made an honorary member of the Agentinian team, and I think that Judy Murray just *might* have a chance with Deliciano.  She clearly has cougar appeal.

Photo:  AP