Playing For History

One week from now on an indoor court in Moscow, four Argentines, will be playing to create history for their nation. The prize is the Davis Cup. The mission is to beat arguably the strongest mens tennis nation at present on their home patch. Whether Russia really are the best all round team in tennis is arguable, Sports Magician believes they are, and the task infront of Argentina is a great challenge, but a challenge that they are capable of conquering.

Even in the days of Guillermo Vilas and Jose-Luis Clerc, Argentina were never able to win the Davis Cup. The closest they came was a final defeat to the USA in Cincinnati in 1981. It has taken 25 years for Argentina to get that close again, and once more a difficult tie away from home awaits them in their pursuit of history. However, this isn't just about 2006 for this current generation of Argentine players. This has been a project that has been building and building for the past 4 years, an effort that is about far more than just the four players who will make up the official Davis Cup final squad (David Nalbandian, Jose Acasuso, Agustin Calleri & Juan Ignacio Chela). To understand the struggle of the current generation in their collective pursuit to bring Argentina glory in the Davis Cup, we have to go back to 2002 at the very least, to examine what went before and those who played their part.

After years of struggling to gain a foothold back in the World Group, Argentina finally started making some noise in 2002. 2001 had seen crushing victories over Mexico, Canada and Belarus (all 5-0) in order for Argentina to take up their place in the World Group for 2002. Captained by Franco Davin, a variety of players were involved in getting Argentina to the World Group, Gaston Gaudio, Guillermo Canas, Agustin Calleri and Franco Squillari had been responsible for the bulk of the work. By the time the World Group in 2002 was upon them, Argentina had a new Captain, Alejandro Gattiker. A team of Gaudio, Canas, Chela and Lucas Arnold strolled past a Lleyton Hewitt-less (more of him later) Australia in Argentina, 5-0. The team was beginning to create an aura at home, despite not yet coming up against classy opposition, the foundations were being built to make Argentina on clay, a tough proposition for any side.

Davis Cup is the coming together of Sports Magician's most beloved sports. It's tennis but with football atmosphere. Every point is celebrated like a goal in a Superclasico. Players often produce performances far and above what they are believed to be capable of on the grind of the ATP Tour. Davis Cup can make and break careers (ask Rafael Nadal and Paul-Henri Mathieu), players no longer play for themselves. On the tour you may see David Nalbandian from Argentina, but when it's Davis Cup, it's Argentina's David Nalbandian. One cause, one goal, unites players of differing personality and expectations.

Argentina's run in 2002 continued with a 3-2 home success against Croatia. Using the same squad from the first round, it came down to a 5th rubber, where Gaston Gaudio put Ivo Karlovic to the sword. Croatia had made it surprisingly difficult for Argentina, but the test was ultimately passed. No side would come as close to topping Argentina in Buenos Aires since that weekend.

That victory set up a semi final in Moscow against the Russians. By now a new name was on the scene, Wimbledon finalist, David Nalbandian. Nalbandian's introduction to Davis Cup in Russia was extraordinary. The story will be complete if he can lead Argentina to the trophy in the same country where he made his spectacular debut. Trailing 2-0 after a couple of tough singles losses on the friday, suffered by Chela and Gaudio, the doubles team of Nalbandian & Arnold attempted to keep Argentina alive. Taking the first two sets 6-4 had them well on the way, losing the following two meant the situation was once again precarious. 36 (that's THIRTY-SIX) games later, Nalbandian & Arnold had pulled off an epic 19-17 5th set victory over Safin & Kafelnikov in more than six hours of play.

Anyone for tennis?

You can imagine what might have been going through Marat Safin's mind at the thought of such a question having spent hours on court in vain. Safin and Nalbandian returned the next day, and after splitting two tie-break sets, Safin, the more experienced player at the time and with the adrenalin of the home support was able to squeeze out Nalbandian's resistance relatively comfortably in the end. 2002 had been a success for Argentina, they had established themselves amongst the elite and their time would surely come.

2003 began in the same way as 2002, with a new man at the helm, this time, Gustavo Luza. The same team that finished off 2002, kicked off the 2003 campaign with what was now becoming a routine 5-0 home victory, this time over Germany. A rematch with Russia was to follow, but this time in Argentina. Revenge was sweet, another 5-0 victory over a squad consisting of Safin, Kafelnikov, Davydenko & Youzhny (all but the retired Kafelnikov are in the Russia squad for the 2006 final). Argentina had not just gained a measure of revenge, but had destroyed the 2002 champions, the rest of the world sat up and took notice. A mouth watering semi final in Spain had been set up. Argentina hoping to call on the likes of Guillermo Coria, David Nalbandian and Guillermo Canas looked very strong and had to be to have a chance of topping Spain, then led by King of Clay, Juan Carlos Ferrero, with the able assistance of Carlos Moya.

Injuries meant Argentina turned up in Malaga without any of the names mentioned, and little hope too. Davis Cup is never that simple. Although Ferrero made it look simple enough, slaughtering Gaudio for the loss of just 4 games. Moya turned around a match against a cramping Mariano Zabaleta, and Argentina were in Moscow all over again, 2-0 down on opening day. And yet again, it was a heroic doubles performance that kept them alive, Arnold was involved again, but it was Agustin Calleri who stole the show. It looked like the inevitable had been delayed, but Calleri had not yet finished with his fireworks. On the Sunday, infront of a disbelieving Spanish crowd and a jubilant Argentine one, Calleri fired winner after winner past Juan Carlos Ferrero, the Spaniard has never been the same since due to a series of injuries and illnesses, but his perplexed expression that day as he was obliterated was an image his fans would become used to seeing over the coming years.

Argentina were on the verge on an incredible comeback, down 2-0 in Spain without what many considered their best players, a 5-0 defeat seemed like a good result on the friday evening! It was left to Gaudio to complete the comeback, but he was not up to the task, a soul less display resulted in a similar beating to the one he had been given by Ferrero, this time by Moya. Gaudio bore the brunt of the critics back home in Argentina. He would later have his moment in the sun by winning Roland Garros the next year, beating Guillermo Coria in a drama filled finale as Coria failed to cope with fulfilling his dream at the Mecca of clay court tennis. As far as Davis Cup was concerned though, Gaudio's reputation as a player who could produce the goods at home but not away were becoming more concrete.

If 2002 was a learning experience, 2003 was an Argentina that showed the strength of depth that would mark them out as a force for years to come. 2004 would be that year maybe? Luza was still in charge as the 2004 tournament got underway, and a 5-0 away win in Morocco was achieved. Guillermo Coria made his Davis Cup debut, winning both his singles as easily as had been expected. Trouble was around the corner, a breakdown in relationships and an increase in politics resulted in a humiliating 5-0 defeat on an ice rink in Belarus. The players wanted Luza ousted, and they would get their way. The 2004 campaign had turned into a disaster, and having become accustomed to the last four, Argentina fans were not impressed by a second round exit, especially the manner in which it came.

The players wanted Alberto Mancini, and they got their man. In 2005, Argentina kicked off with a very strong looking side of Nalbandian, Coria, Canas and Calleri. The Czech Republic were dismissed 5-0 in Argentina (I didn't need to tell you that, did I?). A difficult challenge lay ahead in the second round, having to travel to Australia and play on grass with Hewitt leading the Aussies. Lleyton Hewitt and his relationship with a number of Argentinian players is well documented, and Sports Magician won't revisit the history at this moment, suffice to say it was a match that was 'personal'. Coria and Hewitt kicked off the tie with an ill-tempered affair. Insults and gestures were exchanged on both sides, it didn't help matters that a section of the Aussie support (the 'fanatics') chose to wear t-shirts that depicted Guillermo Canas inserting needles into his arm (a reference to Canas being cited for doping, a suspension that would later be reduced on appeal as Canas was the victim of ATP incompetence).

The tie had turned into an all out war of words by the time the doubles began with the match balanced at 1-1. Nalbandian and Mariano Puerta (amidst rumours that the French Open finalist had also failed a dope test) claimed a straight sets win, and Argentina were on the verge of a great away victory. Three years after Hewitt had destroyed an inexperienced David Nalbandian in the Wimbledon final, Nalbandian showed Hewitt just how much he had grown up by crushing the Aussie on his home turf and securing Argentina's passage into their third Davis Cup semi-final in four years. Nalbandian wasn't slow to lead the chants against Hewitt following the match either, as the Argentina players celebrated with the small band of Argentina fans who stayed behind to celebrate as the 'fanatics' went home weeping, drying their eyes with the Canas t-shirts they had worn in defeat.

Argentina had proven they could win away from home against tough opposition, and if Nalbandian hadn't already established himself as the leader of the gang, then by the time the tie in Sydney was complete, he had done. Emphatically. Slovakia would be the opponents in the last four, and again Argentina would be on their travels. Spoilt for choice in terms of rankings, Mancini called on Nalbandian, Coria, Gaudio and Puerta (all 4 would be present at the Masters Cup that year, Nalbandian would go on to win the tournament). Rumours of unrest were rife as Coria and Gaudio wrote another chapter in their frosty relationship. Coria had more problems to contend with than another war of words with Gaudio - he couldn't serve. He lost both of his matches without ever looking like he could pull off a win, and this time Nalbandian could not produce the heroics he had done in Sydney. He won his singles on the friday, but he and Puerta lost the doubles, and with no assistance from Coria, Argentina were out again before the final. Another year where Argentina cursed the fact that their semi-final had to be played away from home. The only consolation being that the 2006 draw gave Argentina hope of having the possibility of a home semi-final, should they make it that far again.

Through suspensions handed out to Canas and Puerta, as well as struggles with form and mentality that Coria and Gaudio were suffering from, Argentina no longer looked the deep team they had in previous years. 2006 has been a largely poor year from individuals, but ironically, at a time when the players have not been winning titles regularly on tour, Argentina's Davis Cup dreams have taken a turn for the better. Still under Mancini's guidance, Argentina have kept the same squad all season. The team ably led by Nalbandian, with Acasuso, Calleri and Chela contributing in ways that they can. None of those three have hit the heights that Coria, Gaudio, Canas and Puerta have between them, which include - winning a Slam, playing in a Slam final, winning Masters events and playing at the Masters Cup. However, strength has been found in a united squad. Acasuso made a fantastic debut in Davis Cup as Argentina recorded yet another 5-0 home win, versus Sweden. Chela would win a tension filled 5th rubber in Croatia, as Argentina knocked out the champions of the previous year. It wasn't convincing, but the job was done and Argentina finally had a home semi-final to look forward to. And not just any semi-final, Lleyton Hewitt was to bring his team to Argentina. Or was he?

Months of speculation followed, the inevitable taunts between the camps persisted. Argentina players were riled by Hewitt's accusations that his safety would be threatened should he dare turn up, in the end, Hewitt turned up and his life was never in danger. Nalbandian spoke like a man who knew what was coming and confidently predicted victory, 4-1 he claimed, like in Australia. Nalbandian was wrong, Argentina won 5-0. An out pouring of emotion followed in a rocking Parque Roca following the doubles victory that clinched the tie on the saturday. Fittingly, it was Nalbandian who hit the winning smash. For the first time in 25 years, Argentina were going to the final. In Russia against a strong side, but being in the final was better than another semi-final heartbreak.

The tie is in Nalbandian's hands, although Chela holds a dominating record over Davydenko, it's expected that if Argentina are to win the Davis Cup for the first time in their history, that Nalbandian will be the one who will have to take them there with two singles wins and most likely as half of the doubles team too. Following a recent family tragedy, Nalbandian could be forgiven for not having the right frame of mind to take up such a responsibility. History awaits four Argentines on a tennis court in Moscow.

Sports Magician will be commenting on each day's play during the Davis Cup final weekend.

Missing Samuel Eto'o

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. In the case of Samuel Eto’o’s absence, Barcelona have discovered who the true centre piece of their attacking force was, both literally and figuratively. Eto’o went down with a knee injury against Werder Bremen in late September in a Champions League match. The injury required surgery and the Cameroon forward is unlikely to return for the Catalan giants until March. If Barcelona are still in the Champions League by then and in the running for La Liga, his return will be a huge boost. His absence has been very telling in the past six weeks.

Ask the average fan who makes Barcelona tick going forward, and the chances are you will hear Ronaldinho or Lionel Messi’s names before that of Samuel Eto’o. The football world already knows that Eto’o is world class, but the time spent injured has almost certainly shown that he is integral to Barcelona’s potency for more than just his goals.

Samuel Eto’o made his name in Spain at Mallorca, scoring goals aplenty in a largely average side. Having never been given a chance to prove himself at Real Madrid, Eto’o would almost make a point to score against them each and every time he faced them. Watching Eto’o play against Madrid, is very much like watching a man on a mission to constantly remind them of what they could have had.

By now, Real Madrid have surely got the point.

After four years at Mallorca, including two prolific ones, Eto’o earned a move to Barcelona. At first, he excelled in tandem with Ronaldinho as the Catalans went on to win La Liga in the 2004/05 season. Joined more regularly by Lionel Messi in 2005/06, the duo of Eto’o/Ronaldinho became a devastating trio that would put fear into opposition defences just looking at a team sheet. Having scored 28 goals in total during his first season, Eto’o increased his tally to 32 in 2005/06, helping Barcelona to a La Liga and Champions League double (inc. scoring the vital equaliser in the final against Arsenal).

Samuel Eto’o was unable to exhibit his talents at the World Cup after Cameroon had missed out on qualification thanks to an injury time penalty miss by Pierre Wome (controversy as to why Eto’o had not taken the penalty followed). Having had a Summer off, Eto’o would have been looking forward to more goals and more success for Barcelona in 2006/07. He started the season in predictably prolific form with 5 goals in 6 games before picking up the untimely injury in Germany.

Barcelona have missed him greatly since, despite still being able to call on both Ronaldinho and Messi, a gaping void is present without Eto’o. It would be hard to replace Eto’o, very few players in the world can offer his attributes and excellence at the highest level, but Barcelona don’t even have a poor man’s replica and their dynamic attack has looked short of its usual sting and precision.

Eidur Gudjohnsen was called to replace Eto’o, but it is a different type of player. Unable to receive the ball with his back to goal, turn, and run at defenders. Gudjohnsen can hold the ball up and link the attack and midfield, but his lack of pace is evident in an attack that has previously impressed with its speed as well as skill.

If it was not already obvious to Barcelona, and anyone else for that matter, how badly Eto’o would be missed, the evidence was there to see in the two Champions League matches with Chelsea and the Clasico with Real Madrid. In both matches versus Chelsea, especially at Stamford Bridge, Barcelona looked short upfront. Lacking a cutting edge, and having to put together precise moves just to create half chances. The kind of chances Eto’o had been able to generate for Barcelona just with his pace and directness alone.

Barcelona’s other forward option is Argentine, Javier Saviola. Having been effectively forced out of the Catalan club in the past two years, due more to politics and contract wrangles than his ability on the pitch. Saviola is a short, fast and skilful forward who benefits from playing alongside a reference, like Samuel Eto’o. He is unlikely to produce as many goals as he once did at River Plate or in his earlier career at Barcelona while playing in what can at times be an isolated forward position.

Barcelona have enough about them to be either at the top of La Liga or at the very least in the mix of the title race once Eto’o returns, their Champions League future is the more urgent case. They are likely to need to defeat Levski Sofia away - which they should - and then a crunch match with Werder Bremen at home to ensure they advance to the knock out stages.

Barcelona will be hoping that when Samuel Eto’o returns around March time in 2007, that will be the vital piece in the jigsaw they need to retain their La Liga and Champions League titles.

Tennis Masters Cup 2006 - Shanghai

The ATP season reaches its climax by the end of next week, with the Tennis Masters Cup beginning on November 12th. Sports Magician takes a look at the respective seasons of the top 8 players in the world for 2006. The 2005 edition was disrupted by a series of withdrawals, at the time of writing all 8 direct qualifiers for the event this year are expected to be in Shanghai for what will hopefully be an exciting festival of tennis.

The Red Group

Roger Federer (1) - Switzerland
The world no.1 has had another extraordinary year. Currently with an 87-5 record in 2006, only 2 players have beaten him this year (Rafael Nadal & Andy Murray). A total of 11 titles for the season, most importantly collecting 3 Slams (Australian Open, Wimbledon & US Open). In addition adding another 4 Masters titles, winning his 1st indoor Masters event in Madrid and also for the for 1st time winning his hometown tournament in Basel. The only thing missing from Federer this year is a title on clay. Rafael Nadal stood between Federer and Masters titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, and the elusive French Open crown.

Ivan Ljubicic (4) - Croatia
Ljubicic makes his 2nd consecutive appearance at the year end event. A season record of 60-18, the big serving Croat won 3 titles (Chennai, Zagreb & Vienna). Surprisingly, his best performance in a Slam this year came at the French Open where he took advantage of a generous draw to make the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion, Rafael Nadal. Ljubicic made a Masters final early in the year at Indian Wells, but was not overly impressive in Masters events since.

Andy Roddick (5) - USA
A poor first half of the year was brought to life for the American after a partnership was formed with Jimmy Connors. A new found fire and enthusiasm came with that which enabled Roddick to win the Masters event in Cincinnati and follow on from that by reaching the US Open final (the scene of his sole slam success in 2003). In 2005, Roddick had to withdraw from Shanghai with injury which enabled David Nalbandian to enter the tournament and he went on to win the event. Roddick's season win/loss record stands at 48-18.

David Nalbandian (7) - Argentina
The defending champion in Shanghai has had a poor second half of the season after a promising beginning. Continuing his consistent performances in Slams, Nalbandian reached the last 4 at both the Australian and French Opens. As well as semi-final appearances in Masters events in Miami and Rome. During this time he won his only title of the season in Estoril. Following the French Open, Nalbandian has struggled to get his singles season going although has led Argentina to their first Davis Cup final in over 20 years. Nalbandian reached another Masters semi-final in Madrid before missing the final Masters Series event of the year in Paris due to illness. He was 41-16 for the season.

Group Analysis - The collective head to heads stand at Federer (28-10), Ljubicic (9-17), Roddick (9-15), Nalbandian (9-13). Only a fool would suggest that Federer will not qualify for the semi-finals. The question is who will join him? A case can be made for all 3 and don't be surprised if they end up cutting each other up with a win each, leaving qualification to come down to sets won/lost.

The Gold Group

Rafael Nadal (2) - Spain
The young Spaniard who had to miss last year's event through injury had an outstanding first half of the season. Having returned from injury he recorded a title victory in Dubai, beating Federer in the final. And then reached the last 4 in the Miami Masters event. On clay, Nadal was unbeatable. Winning titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and most importantly defending his French Open title. In the process he surpassed Guillermo Vilas's clay win streak record. Nadal continued his excellent season with a final appearance at Wimbledon. However, his season has been poor since and he has failed to go beyond the quarter-finals in any tournament, including in Madrid where he had won the title in 2005. Nadal was 57-10 for the season.

Nikolay Davydenko (3) - Russia
The largely unheralded human ball machine has had a career season. Showing a great level of consistency in Slams he reached the semi-final at the US Open, and made the last 8 in Australia and France. Winning 5 titles during the season, with the latest the best success of his career, triumphing at the Paris Masters. Keeping busy through the year, Davydenko has played more matches than any of the others in Shanghai. His record stands at 67-26. Tallying 93 matches, 1 more than Roger Federer.

Tommy Robredo (6) - Spain
Another player who has had a career year. Robredo, like Davydenko, won his 1st Masters title this year, on clay in Hamburg (similar to Davydenko's Paris success, Federer & Nadal were not present). A season record of 48-27. His record in the Slams was very ordinary, never going beyond the 4th round. As well as his Masters triumph in Hamburg, in other Masters events he made the last 4 in Cincinnati and Madrid, as well as the last 8 in Monte Carlo.

James Blake (8) - USA
Yet another player who has had a career year, Blake ended up backing into his place for Shanghai. A 'thank you' may be in order from him to Davydenko, as it was the Russian who ensured the American's place amongst the last 8 by defeating Mario Ancic in Paris. Blake won 5 titles during the season (Sydney, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Bangkok & Stockholm). His season record was 56-23. Despite having the best year of his career, Blake was unable to show much in Slams. A last 8 appearance at the US Open was his best showing. In Masters events he made a good start with a final at Indian Wells and then quarter-final in Miami. However, his record since has been poor.

Group Analysis - The collective head to heads stand at Nadal (3-2), Davydenko (2-5), Robredo (2-8), Blake (9-1). On paper, James Blake should be an overwhelming favourite to win the group given his outstanding head to head record with his opponents. 4-0 v Davydenko, 2-0 v Nadal and 3-1 v Robredo. However, things are unlikely to prove that simple. Davydenko comes in with excellent form and confidence. While Nadal comes in with a point to prove after a poor recent run. Expect Nadal and Davydenko to find their way through to the last 4.

Opportunity Knocks

The 9th and final Masters Series event of the season concludes this week in Paris. Sports Magician takes a look at the semi-final line up and the implications for the season ending tournament in Shanghai.

Yet again, the event in Paris has gained more attention for who is not there rather than who is. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Ivan Ljubicic, Andy Roddick and David Nalbandian did not take their place in the draw for various reasons from fatigue to illness to injury. The absence of these players, Federer in particular, has opened the door for the rest of the tour.

Nikolay Davydenko (4) v Tommy Robredo (6)
With both players having had their places in Shanghai booked this week, all that remains to be settled is the small matter of a place in a Masters Series final.

For Davydenko, a Masters Series semi-final is still largely unchartered territory. Having reached the last 4 of Hamburg in 2005, Davydenko has not excelled in 2006 at Masters events, with this semi-final appearance being his best performance of the year. This week he has been in strong form, making short work of his victims. His week started with a 6-0 6-0 slaughter of Christophe Rochus, and he followed that up with straight sets wins over Tursunov and Ancic. The defeat handed to Ancic ended the Croatian's hopes of being in Shanghai by rights.

Tommy Robredo is having a career season, he more than any other player has cashed in when Federer and Nadal have not been around for Masters events. Earlier in the year, he won his 1st Masters Series title in Hamburg that catapulted him into the top 10, where he has stayed in and around since. During the US hard court season, Robredo made the semi-finals in Cincinnati before falling to Juan Carlos Ferrero. His appearance in the last 4 in Paris is therefore the 3rd time this season he has reached the latter stages of a Masters event in 2006. Things certainly haven't been easy this week for the Spaniard, coming back from a set and 5-2 down to defeat Grosjean in his first match. He backed that up with a victory over Mathieu, and yesterday won a lengthy encounter with Nieminen.

Despite playing more than 20 matches more than Robredo in 2006, Davydenko may well be the fresher of the two for today's battle given the efficiency he has won his matches with this week in comparison to the more draining matches Robredo has been involved in.

The head to head is one apiece. Davydenko won in 5 sets in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros in 2005. Robredo's victory came earlier this year, again on clay. This time in the final in Bastad. Davydenko will as ever be hard to beat, however, Robredo should not be written off given the battling qualities he has shown this week in particular. This could be a long one.

Tommy Haas (10) v Dominik Hrbaty (17)
At the start of the week players such as Gonzalez and Ancic were looking to break into the top 8 to reach Shanghai. Tommy Haas had not been strongly considered to crash the party, but the perfectionist German now just stands two victories from doing so. In a career often disrupted by injury, Haas is close to recording his 2nd Masters Series victory, having done so the first time 5 years ago in Stuttgart.

Haas has performed poorly this year in Masters events up to now, although he has picked up 3 other titles this season. The German has shown some of his best form since the first half of the season in defeating Llodra, and in particularly, Blake and Safin. Haas needs to win the tournament to oust James Blake from the last remaining spot for Shanghai, and he will be favourite to at least make the final in his quest.

Starting the year at no.18 in the rankings, Dominik Hrbaty has had a very average year in 2006. His ranking has slipped slightly to 27, and he has failed to reach a final this year on the main tour (he did reach a final of a Challenger tournament). His best efforts have been 3 semi-final appearances in Adelaide, Los Angeles and most recently in Vienna. There was little evidence to suggest that Hrbaty would be the in reckoning come the weekend, his record this year in Masters Series events was a distinctly ordinary 8-8 coming into Paris. Only in Cincinnati had he been able to win back to back matches. However, his form in the French capital has been more impressive, knocking out the defending champion Tomas Berdych in yesterday's quarter-final.

These two players are certainly no strangers to each other, having met 13 times previously. Haas has the edge with an 8-5 record, their first meeting coming back in 1997 in Hamburg. They have met 3 times this year, with Haas leading 2-1. Their most recent encounter was a couple of weeks back in Madrid. Haas was the victor 6-3, 7-6 having saved numerous set points in the 2nd set to wrap up the match in straight sets. The greater experience in dealing with matches of this magnitude may be the difference here in Haas's favour. Although Hrbaty is a seasoned pro, a semi-final in a Masters event is as far as he has ever been and it remains to be seen how he handles the expectation.