Here Comes The Season

The 2007 ATP Tennis season begins in the coming days; Sports Magician previews what we may learn over the next twelve months. The season begins with tournaments in Adelaide, Chennai and Doha. Adelaide is an appropriate place to start given the nature of the tournament this year, the first to experience the Round-Robin format.

- How will Round-Robin play out?
Sports Magician is against the introduction of Round-Robin tournaments on the tour, although at an “experimental” stage and not yet to be seen at Masters Series events or Grand Slams. The possibility of dead matches is clear to see, and will undoubtedly happen on many occasions this season. The idea that you either win or go home puts an edge on each and every match. Taking this away is of no benefit to the fan, or even the players. During a gruelling season, there are often times when a player “tanks” a match here or there, regardless of how obvious it may or may not be, even if the intention is not there to do so, sometimes the body or mind doesn’t allow anything different. Now players know they can lose, and still possibly go through to the latter stages, providing a different slant on the mentality and mindset of players. Even if it is just subconscious, it will be evident during the season.

The ATP state that their research indicates that tennis fans are in favour of Round-Robin events, and it would be interesting to know what their precise results are. Visit any message board with passionate tennis fans presenting their views, and those who oppose Round-Robin far outweigh those in favour. Furthermore, it could even be said that a fair portion of those in “favour” are simply waiting to see how things play out before giving a definitive judgement, rather than believing the change will be of genuine benefit.

The move is for sponsors and TV primarily, and the ATP will fail in their attempts to dress it up as anything else. Money talks, and the ATP are in danger of thinking more about money than the future and integrity of the sport. Sports Magician will not be sitting on the fence on this issue that is for sure, and hopes that the “experiment” proves to be a failure, so the tour can get back to a sense of consistency.

The ATP believes the move will enable fans to get to see the top players in action, provided they will have at least two matches to compete in. And as it happens, the tour’s number one player, Roger Federer, will not be playing any of the Round-Robin tournaments.

- Can Roger Federer be any more dominant?
Roger Federer states that his priorities for the season remain retaining the number one ranking and winning Wimbledon (the first Grand Slam he got his hands on). However, in order to differentiate this season from his outstanding last three seasons (particularly the last two), Federer will need to dominate on clay the way he has done everywhere else. In 2006, the boy from Basel came three matches away from arguably the most incredible year any individual or team has had in sports. Losing clay court finals to world number two, Rafael Nadal, in Monte Carlo, Rome (Federer had two match points) and Roland Garros (the Mecca of clay court tennis) prevented Federer from completing what would have been a historic season that would surely never be equalled and certainly not bettered.

Federer is 0-4 on clay v Nadal, he came as close as you can in Rome when he held two match points, neither of which he was able to convert. Despite beating Nadal since the Roland Garros final on two occasions (Wimbledon & Shanghai), Nadal can still count on a psychological dominance over Federer on clay, and one of the more intriguing storylines of 2007 will be whether Federer can break this hold. Hopefully both players will be fit and healthy come the European clay court season for us to be able to sit back, enjoy and find out.

- Can Rafael Nadal reverse the slump?
It seems absurd to ask such a question of a twenty year old who has won two Grand Slam titles, made another Grand Slam final and won six Masters Series events in the past two seasons, and yet the question is being asked by more than a few people. Nadal had a poor second half of the season in 2006. Having reached the Wimbledon final, Nadal’s season stalled completely and he did not advance past the quarter finals of any tournament until the season ending Masters Cup in Shanghai.

The Spaniard missed last year’s Australian Open, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in Melbourne in a few weeks on the reportedly speeded up courts. It won’t be long before Nadal is on clay again, and as he did in 2006, he will face the pressure of having to defend titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Roland Garros. Will he be beaten on clay this year? Sports Magician believes it will happen, but it remains to be seen by who and when. Roger Federer is clearly the prime candidate. Post-Wimbledon will be the true test of Nadal’s progression, and all eyes will be on him to see if he has adjusted his style on hard and indoor courts to improve on the poor results he achieved in the latter half of 2006.

- Can Andy Roddick continue the resurgence?
After a poor first half of the season in 2006, where he was comprehensively outplayed by Scot Andy Murray, at Wimbledon, Roddick teamed up with Jimmy Connors and experienced a revival in the second half of the season. He won the Cincinnati Masters and followed that up with an appearance in the US Open final. There is an apparent sting and zip back in Roddick’s game and attitude that seemed lacking early in 2006. Unlikely to ever achieve much on clay in the more high profile tournaments (Masters events and Roland Garros), Roddick’s season will be judged on what he can achieve elsewhere, and whether the fire that Connors has lit under him will continue to burn or fizzle out.

- Can David Nalbandian fulfil his potential?
No longer able to call himself the reigning Masters Cup champion, the Argentine ended the 2006 season by leading his nation into their first Davis Cup final in twenty-five years. Nalbandian proved what many are already well aware of, that he has the talent to be a Grand Slam champion, by beating Nikolay Davydenko and Marat Safin in Moscow for the loss of just one set. Whether Nalbandian will ever be able to translate his talent into a tangible Grand Slam triumph and not simply a series of consistent showings that result in semi-final appearances (he also made the Wimbledon final in 2002) will likely be answered in the next two or three years. Each passing year indicates that the potential will remain unfulfilled, and 2007 represents a significant year in the career of David Nalbandian in the eyes of Sports Magician. Time is running out and the window of opportunity shuts far quicker than it opens.

- Can the newcomers stick around?
2006 saw four new names end the year in the top ten of the men’s tour. James Blake, Tommy Robredo, Mario Ancic and Fernando Gonzalez had career years. Blake and Robredo particularly had outstanding years. Blake won five titles and made the final of a Masters Series event and the Masters Cup. Meanwhile, Robredo won his first Masters Series title in Hamburg. Competition is fierce, and there are a number of very talented young players maturing by the week and looking to break into the elite and turn these four players into ‘one season wonders’. Sports Magician believes it will be a tough ask for all four to still be in the top ten come the end of the season and that rather than Blake or Robredo, Mario Ancic has the greater chance to still be there. Ancic, a player yet to fully justify the hype around him in previous years, had a quietly strong 2006 despite missing significant time with injury.

- Can the young guns make some noise?
The ATP, as mentioned, has a number of very talented young players on the verge of taking the step from promise to fulfilment. Marcos Baghdatis, Tomas Berdych, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet lie waiting to jump into the top ten, all of these players currently sit between twelve and eighteen in the rankings. In addition, there is Gael Monfils, currently lower down in the rankings at forty-six, who will be hoping for an injury free 2007 to show what he is fully capable of. Another name to bear in mind that may not be able to make the impact that the already mentioned youngsters might in 2007, but is certainly a player that will be likely to in 2008, is Juan-Martin Del Potro, currently ranked ninety-second on the tour. By the end of the season, his name will be far more familiar to you.

Sports Magician believes at least two of these youngsters will be sitting in the top ten in twelve months, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic being the likely candidates.

- Can elite players of the recent past return to the top ten?
Between 2000-2005, names such as Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Guillermo Coria and Marat Safin were regular fixtures in the top ten, but in 2006, none of them sat amongst the elite. All of them have suffered for one reason or another, be it injury, politics on and off the court, or just simply a loss of form and confidence that they have forever been trying to regain. Hewitt’s 2006 season was highlighted by winning Queens. Ferrero’s was credible for making a Masters Series final in Cincinnati. Safin salvaged some joy from his season by winning the deciding rubber in the Davis Cup final versus Argentina. There was no such joy for Coria, who doesn’t just sit outside the top ten at present, but the top one hundred.

The Magician whose plight was documented in the latter period of this year faces a significant challenge to rediscover his past form and successes that took him to number three in the world only two and a half years ago.

Sports Magician believes Marat Safin has the greatest chance to find himself back in the top ten sooner rather than later.

Tell Sports Magician what you feel the 2007 season will bring by leaving a comment.

Champions League First Round KO Previews

The draw for the knock out stage of the UEFA Champions League was made last week, Sports Magician previews the match ups and takes a look at which sides are likely to progress in Europe's premier club competition.

PSV v Arsenal

With little or no chance of challenging for the Premiership title, Arsenal will have been relieved to have come through a tight group containing Porto and CSKA Moscow. Losing finalists in the 2005/2006 competition, Arsenal will be hoping to go one better and a tie with PSV represents a fair chance to progress further. PSV qualified with room to spare from their group and have been flying domestically, winning 15 of 17 league games. PSV will be hoping to take a lead to the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal should be too strong over two legs.

Verdict - Arsenal move on.

Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Two giants of European club football clash in the first round of knock out matches. Both sides qualified comfortably from their respective groups, Bayern winning theirs and Real Madrid finishing behind Lyon. Real have reinforced their side with the signings of two young Argentines, forward Gonzalo Higuain, but more significantly, midfielder Fernando Gago. The midfield partnership of Diarra-Emerson has not excelled, and Gago is likely to partner Diarra and produce a better fit. Bayern having lost the services of Ballack in the summer, may yet lose Owen Hargreaves too in the January window. This tie is unlikely to be settled early, but Sports Magician believes Real Madrid will just edge the encounter.

Verdict - Real Madrid to squeeze through.

Lille v Manchester United

All the sides who won their group would have wanted Lille, Manchester United were the lucky team to get them. Lille beat Manchester United not long ago in the Champions League group stage, but over two legs, that triumph is unlikely to be repeated. Manchester United have far too much in all areas for Lille to contend with, and may well win both legs.

Verdict - Manchester United win both legs.

Celtic v AC Milan

Celtic's reward for making the KO stage is a tie with the Rossonerri. A famous victory over Manchester United secured Celtic's passage through the group stage, and they may fancy a crack at an AC Milan side that has been far from impressive all season. Still failing to cope with the loss of Andrei Shevchenko and the points handicap in Serie A, Milan's season now rests entirely on this competition. Reinforcements are needed, and it remains to be seen if Milan will bring in fresh blood to support Kaka, who has been the only shining light for Milan thus far. Celtic are still underdogs for this tie, despite Milan's troubles. The 'Hoops' will need to secure a home win to take to Milan to stand a chance of pulling off an upset.

Verdict - Milan still too much for Celtic.

Barcelona v Liverpool

The winners of the past two years match up in the KO stage. Barcelona will still be without the services of Samuel Eto'o, but should be able to call on the return of Lionel Messi to reduce the burden on Ronaldinho. Barcelona have been in good form of late, but failed to win the World Club Championship. Liverpool will hope to keep things tight in the first leg, and look to have a memorable night at Anfield to take them through. Sports Magician believes Barcelona are still the team to beat in the competition, and that Liverpool aren't the team to beat them.

Verdict - The holders march on.

Internazionale v Valencia

The tie of the round. Inter have been in exceptional form in Serie A, and only a major collapse domestically will stop them from failing to win Lo Scudetto. Hernan Crespo has been in sparkling form since returning to Italy from Chelsea, and Inter have looked strong in all departments ever since beating Milan 4-3 in the derby. Valencia have had to deal with a never ending injury list, and their resources are being stretched if they hope to challenge for La Liga and the Champions League. This should be a very tight affair, with Inter's greater options upfront possibly seeing them through.

Verdict - Inter...Just.

Porto v Chelsea

Jose Mourinho takes his Chelsea side to the home of his former club, where he left winning the trophy he hopes to win with Chelsea, the Champions League. Chelsea topped a strong group that contained Barcelona and Werder Bremen. Didier Drogba has been in outstanding form all season, while Shevchenko has often looked lost and out of place in the Chelsea system. Porto, led from midfield by Lucho Gonzalez, have played some enterprising football thus far. They won't make it easy for Chelsea, but Mourinho's side should get the better of his former club.

Verdict - Porto to promise a scare, but fail to deliver. Chelsea go through.

Roma v Lyon

One of the less clear cut ties of the KO stage. Lyon won their group with ease and continue to be the 'dark horse' pick, although by now, everyone should be aware of the danger they pose. Once again Lyon are dominating their domestic league, winning 16 of 18 matches, and standing 17 points clear at the time of writing. Roma are still hoping to catch Inter in Serie A, but that looks unlikely. This is a very difficult tie to call in what should be a couple of entertaining matches.

Verdict - Lyon to move on.

Let Sports Magician know how you see the ties developing, by leaving a comment, and voting for who you feel will win this year's competition in the poll you will find on the sidebar of this page.

Estudiantes Take Advantage Of Boca Collapse

The playoff for the Apertura title in Argentina ended in the same way the previous two weeks had, with Boca Juniors throwing away the chance to win a third successive title. The never say die spirit of Estudiantes, coached by Diego Simeone, once again proved it's worth as the 'Pinchas' won their first title in twenty-three years.

Going into the match were two teams that couldn't be more different in terms of moral and momentum. Boca had only needed one point from their final two games, and surprisingly collapsed. Having gone 17 games in the Apertura with only one defeat (in the Superclasico to River), Boca experienced back to back defeats, and lost at home for the first time during the campaign to Lanus. Estudiantes went on a remarkable run from September 24th, winning eleven and drawing one of their last twelve matches. And even their draw was only due to an injury time equaliser from Argentinos Jrs.

Boca needed to start the playoff well, and they did just that. A nicely worked move found lifelong Estudiantes fan, Martin Palermo, at the far post and he volleyed in to give Boca a 1-0 advantage. The first half largely belonged to Boca, with other chances coming their way, most notably through Rodrigo Palacio. Estudiantes came close themselves with Mariano Pavone's strike hitting the post. Towards the end of the first half, both sides were reduced to ten men, after the sendings off of Pablo Alvarez and Pablo Ledesma. The decision seemed harsh on Ledesma who had fallen over the top of Alvarez, who promptly got up and kicked the Boca player while he lay on the ground.

Soon after, Cata Diaz came close for Boca from a free kick, and Estudiantes were happy to go in at the half just down by Palermo's solitary strike. The second half was a different story, Boca sat back and invited pressure which Estudiantes were happy to apply. Their equaliser came from a wonderfully clipped free kick by Jose Sosa. That strike stung Boca into action, and for the first time in the second half they began to re-establish themselves in the match. The Boca front two of Palacio and Palermo were almost non-existent for the entire second half.

With ten minutes to go, Mariano Pavone, took advantage of some hesistant defending, clipped the ball over Bobadilla and looped his header into the corner beyond the despairing dive of Claudio Morel Rodríguez. Boca never looked like equalising, and for the third match in a row they had been unable to secure the Apertura title.

The scenes at the end were pure joy for Estudiantes players, coaches and fans, while Boca players bowed their heads after another opportunity slipped away. But this time, there would be no tomorrow. Ricardo La Volpe, who took over the reins after 'Coco' Basile had left to take up the position as Argentina coach, ended his short and unsuccessful stint in charge by resigning. La Volpe took over a Boca side that were defending the Apertura and Sudamericana titles, that had just won the Recopa, and had not long before produced an extraordinary display that saw them triumph 7-1 away to San Lorenzo.

La Volpe's time at Boca will not be remembered fondly. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone has already won a title despite being a coach for only one year, and possibly a future appointment as coach of Argentina awaits him down the line.

The Apertura was too often in the news for the continued scenes of crowd violence and player intimidation. Estudiantes will feel justice has been served after Gimnasia LP conceaded victory to Boca in a match that was no more than a sham, after Gimnasia players had been subject to threats from their own fans should they take any points off Boca and thus help the cause of Estudiantes, their rivals.

The Clausura begins on February 11 2007, and already some names will be missing, but likely to be filled by the never ending conveyor belt of talent that originates from Argentina. Real Madrid have completed the signing of River forward, Gonzalo Higuain, while Fernando Gago of Boca Juniors is expected to make the same move soon. Although Boca are still hoping that Gago will stay until the Summer.

If you have not yet seen the goals from the playoff for the title, you can do so in the video clip below.



Following the draw for the knock out phase of the UEFA Champions League, Sports Magician will be taking a look ahead to the match ups and analysing the encounters.

One Match, One Title

On Wednesday December 13th at the home of Vélez Sarsfield, the Apertura title in Argentina will be decided by a one off playoff match. Having finished on 44pts each, Boca Juniors and Estudiantes will bring to a climax a few months which has seen more violence and controversy dominating the state of domestic Argentine football, instead of the football itself.

It promises to be a tension filled match, with everything at stake. We have arrived at such a scenario after a dramatic set of results on Sunday. Boca, needing just one point at home to Lanus to secure the title, lost in La Bombonera for the first time in this Apertura campaign. Meanwhile, Estudiantes had to wait until the dying minutes to secure victory over Arsenal (no, not THAT Arsenal), and force a playoff.

Sports Magician will be commenting the day after the match, on the encounter itself and reviewing the Apertura campaign as a whole for 2006. Sports Magician would like to wish both sets of teams and fans the best of luck, and hopes that the victory for either club is just and is not marred in controversy.

Davis Cup Final 2006 Goes Down To The Wire

The 2006 Davis Cup Final produced a fantastic end to the tennis season, as the destiny of the trophy went down to the wire. Going into Sunday with a 2-1 lead and playing at home, the Russians looked well set to claim their second Davis Cup triumph in their history and still leave Argentina searching for that maiden moment of glory. The Sunday reverse singles kicked off with a battle of the respective top players from each nation - Nikolay Davydenko and David Nalbandian.

Nikolay Davydenko v David Nalbandian
Coming into the match off a poor performance in the doubles the day before, Nalbandian hoped to rectify that by keeping Argentina alive. Meanwhile, Davydenko was hoping to cap off a career year by winning the point that would deliver the Davis Cup title to his nation. Nalbandian came in off the back of a 3 match winning streak over the Russian, dating back to their TMC semi-final in 2005.

Nalbandian continued the dominance in the opening 2 sets, brushing aside Davydenko's resistance 6-2, 6-2. The Russian later claimed that the expectation had got to him and he froze for a large part of the match. Nalbandian as ever relishing the atmosphere and responsibility of Davis Cup, had no such problems playing with freedom.

It looked like Davydenko had the chance to turn the match having taken the 3rd set 6-4, and breaking early in the 4th. However, Nalbandian was not to be denied and came roaring back to claim the 4th set and the match 6-4. It capped off another impressive Nalbandian Davis Cup weekened, arguably the most impressive of them all having defeated Safin and Davydenko in Moscow for the loss of just one set. Despite not being able to produce a strong performance in doubles, Nalbandian had single handedly kept Argentina alive and in with a chance.

Russia 2-2 Argentina

Marat Safin v Jose Acasuso
And so to the decisive rubber, Russia contemplated on whether to substitute Safin with Tursunov, and ended up deciding that Safin's greater big match experience would be the telling factor in such an important match. Argentina were never likely to stick with Chela for the reverse singles, and Jose Acasuso was drafted in for his first action of the weekend. Acasuso had only made his Davis Cup debut in 2006, and had not tasted defeat. Winning all his singles matches and being half of the doubles team that won in Croatia.

Safin took the initiative and broke early, eventually taking the first set 6-3. Acasuso did not wilt in what was the biggest match of his career to date, coming back to the take the 2nd set by the same scoreline. The 3rd set would be crucial to the outcome of the match, and having broken Acasuso, Safin looked set to win it. However, the Argentine broke back but then immediately lost serve. Safin went on to take the set 6-3.

The 4th set saw some immense service games from both players, and soon a tie-break was to decide it. Safin got the mini-break, and worked his way to two match points at 6-4. Acasuso retrieved the mini-break, and then served at 5-6 down. The Argentine netted a forehand, and the Russians went wild with joy. Lifting Safin up, in the same way they had down to Youzhny years earlier in France after another 5th rubber triumph. Acasuso broke down in tears, consoled by his captain, team mates and with words of support from the Argentine fans in the stadium, which included Diego Maradona, who had made his presence known all weekend.

Russia 3-2 Argentina

It was a fantastic way to end what is a great competition for 2006. Russia continuing to show their excellence and depth of tennis both in the mens and womens game. For Argentina, another tough away loss. A home final for Argentina will surely result in nothing but a formality and a long awaited Davis Cup triumph. Few sides could go to Russia and put up such a fight, despite having to contend with missing players who for one reason or another were not in the form or condition to add their talents to the Argentine side.

The draw for 2007 had already been made a number of weeks ago. Russia face a very tough match in Chile for their 1st round. Don't be surprised if the Chileans end the Russians reign as champions very quickly. Argentina must travel to Austria, possibly without the services of David Nalbandian, who is under instruction from his camp to cut down on his Davis Cup excursions for the sake of his individual tour career. It remains to be seen what happens on that score, Nalbandian takes great pride in representing Argentina, and has carried the side more or less for the past 18 months. It would be a great shame for he not to be available, but Argentina will have other options to fill the void like Guillermo Canas and the next star of Argentine tennis, Juan Martin Del Potro, a name you are likely to be hearing from alot in the near future.

Sports Magician hoped you enjoyed the Davis Cup this year, and would like to read your thoughts on the 2006 tournament and the possibilities for 2007. Please feel free to add your comments and feelings.

Let Sports Magician know who you feel will win the Davis Cup next year by voting in the poll which you will find on the sidebar. Thanks, look forward to seeing how the voting goes.

For a taste of what the atmosphere and build up was like for the players, see here as Nalbandian and Davydenko walk through on to court, as the chants of the fans become more evident the closer they get.

Russia Take Crucial Lead

Russia took a crucial lead in the Davis Cup Final after a strong and solid display in the doubles from Marat Safin and Dmitry Tursunov. Safin was brought into the side instead of Youzhny, and helped make amends for his straight sets singles defeat to David Nalbandian a day earlier.

The Russian team took advantage of Nalbandian's serve, and held their own service games without too much trouble. It was a stark contrast from yesterday, where Nalbandian had been flawless against Safin. He was the weaker link in the Argentine team today, and with Safin and Tursunov serving so commandingly, Calleri was unable to keep the Argentine side together.

Russia lead 2-1 going into Sunday's reverse singles, and the lead could well prove to be too big a hurdle for Argentina to climb. At present the line up is scheduled to be Davydenko v Nalbandian and if needed Safin v Chela. However, don't be surprised if there are changes to this line up. Tursunov could well be brought in for Russia to play either for Davydenko or Safin. Russia clearly hold the upperhand, with a 5th rubber combination favouring them in many respects.

Sports Magician will return tomorrow to detail the conclusion of the 2006 Davis Cup Final. Feel free to add your comments on how you see the reverse singles turning out and who may be involved in them.

Strengthening The Tennis Community

Kings of Clay & Lawntennisnews are proud to announce a collaboration that will provide the passionate tennis fan with greater avenues to read about and discuss tennis news and issues.

Kings of Clay have been in existence for just over eight months, while Lawntennisnews has been going strong for over four years.

Through this partnership, both parties hope to bring more news and features to the fans of the sport in what will hopefully be a long lasting relationship.

To find out more about this venture, please visit Kings of Clay - World Tennis Forum & Lawntennisnews through these links.
http://kingsofclay.com and http://www.lawntennisnews.com/

Honours Even

The Davis Cup Final is evenly poised after the first day of action. Russia and Argentina each won their first point of the final thanks to their respective number ones, Nikolay Davydenko and David Nalbandian.

Nikolay Davydenko v Juan Ignacio Chela
The final began with Chela unable to convert break points, while Davydenko took his early chances. Despite a 0-5 record against Chela, Davydenko sailed through the opening two sets. Chela offered some resistance late on and snatched the third set, but never got a foothold in the fourth, as Russia drew first blood with a 6-1, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory. For Davydenko it was job done and a good start for the home nation. For Chela it was a case of being unable to take his opportunities and largely looking lacklustre in comparison to his opponent.

Russia 1 - 0 Argentina

Marat Safin v David Nalbandian
Arguably the marquee match up of the weekend, Safin and Nalbandian had already played two long and tense matches this year at the US Open and Madrid Masters. This encounter was expected to be no different, Nalbandian was under a great deal of pressure with Argentina effectively facing defeat were he to lose. As ever in Davis Cup play Nalbandian rose to the occasion. Producing a masterful display and most likely his best performance of the season, Nalbandian recorded a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win. Safin had words with his captain during the match about the court surface which were not to his liking.

Russia 1 - 1 Argentina

Looking Ahead To Saturday's Doubles
At the time of writing the doubles line up for Saturday is expected to be Youzhny and Tursunov for the Russians, facing Nalbandian and Calleri for the Argentines. History suggests Argentina have the edge for what will be a pivotal doubles encounter that will have a strong bearing on who ends the weekend with smiles on their faces. Nalbandian and Calleri have a collective 13-2 record in Davis Cup doubles, and as a pair are undefeated at 2-0. Youzhny and Tursunov have a collective record of 5-7, and are winless as a pair at 0-2.

Momentum is on the side of Argentina as well as a small but loud contingent of fans courtside. With Nalbandian first up for Argentina on the Sunday reverse singles, Argentina will feel they can close out the tie 3-1. Russia will be hoping to do the same, but more likely of the view that if they can stretch the tie to a decider, Russia will be well set to win the trophy with Safin to play their 5th match and Argentina not having someone of the quality of Nalbandian to face him once more.

Sports Magician will be commenting on the doubles upon completion and looking ahead to Sunday where the Davis Cup Final 2006 will reach a conclusion.

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.

Fireworks In Milan

On Saturday evening in Milan, Internazionale will attempt to shut the door on their rivals, AC Milan's Scudetto hopes. After a summer in which Italy won the 2006 World Cup, domestic football in Italy was at the centre of attention after charges of corruption within the game. The result of which saw punishments for Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina.

Inter Milan often criticised for being a 'nearly club' and a bunch of underachievers despite huge outlays in transfer fees year in and year out, were crowned champions of Italy. A title by default, or were they given what was rightfully theirs? Rumours of corruption and scandal within Italian football is nothing new, are we to believe that the season of 2005/06 was the only one tainted? Surely it would be naive to believe that is the case, even without concrete proof, the suspicion is justified. Has the football world wrongly been criticising Inter all this time? The perennial underachievers who could not make full use of Moratti's expenditure, are they infact looking for their third successive Serie A title (given that Inter have ended the past two seasons behind Juventus and Milan)? Some may claim that, others will say they are looking for their second in a row, and some would even say they are not the real champions at all. Whichever angle you look at it, on Saturday, Inter can deliver a knock out blow to their neighbours.

AC Milan began the season with an eight point handicap (following the corruption scandal after appeals), but arguably the biggest handicap was no longer being able to call on the services of prolific Ukrainian forward, Andrei Shevchenko. Although Shevchenko's move to Chelsea has caused him some strain and stress also, the impact has so far looked bigger on his former club. The forward players that would be relied upon to ensure Shevchenko's departure was not so heavily felt were Filippo Inzaghi, Alberto Gilardino (both part of Italy's World Cup winning squad) and Ricardo Oliveira. Inzaghi started the season on fire, and so did Milan winning their first six games (2 in the Champions League and 4 in Serie A). However, the past month has seen a dreadful set of results and an especially toothless attack. In the past five games in the league, Milan have managed only two goals and recorded only one victory. Gilardino has been firing blanks, Oliveira has struggled to find goals too and the dry spell has hit Inzaghi too. The burden has fallen on Kaka, and at times he has often looked like a man who wishes he had a Shevchenko to thread the ball too. The saving grace has been a strong backline, Milan have been unable to win as many games as they would have hoped, but in turn they have picked up points thanks to a defence that has only conceaded five goals in all competitions (a total of 13 games). Currently sitting eleven points behind both Inter and Palermo, Milan can ill afford a defeat, even a draw won't be of much use. Even this early the derby represents a must-win situation for Milan against their rivals.

Sitting on top of the league, one would be forgiven for thinking that all things are and have been well at Inter Milan, they have not. Inter were able to take advantage of Juventus's relegation following the corruption scandal, and signed Patrick Vieira and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In addition, Hernan Crespo re-joined Inter for a second stint and off an impressive World Cup, left-back Fabio Grosso also joined the ranks of the Nerrazurri. The pressure was on Inter more than ever before, they had always been expected to win and even with star names they had not done so. Now they had an eight point lead over Milan from day one, and no Juventus to worry about either. There would be no excuses this time should Inter fail to win the title, and despite still being the only unbeaten team in Serie A after eight games, they have been bending but not breaking...but only just. On opening day away at Fiorentina, and impressive Inter led 3-0. By the full time whistle they had been clinging onto a 3-2 lead for the past ten minutes in which they could easily have conceaded an equaliser.

Over the next few days a Champions League defeat in Portugal to Sporting Lisbon followed, as well as an unwelcome home draw with Sampdoria in the league. The criticism was relentless and Inter faced a tough challenge away at Roma. A spiritied display and a fantastic Hernan Crespo goal gave the Inter players the chance to claim their critics had been answered. An eventful 4-3 home win over Chievo kept the momentum rolling before another disaster in the Champions League. This time a 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich, accompanied by two red cards for Ibrahimovic and Grosso (adding to two earlier red cards Vieira had received in both Champions League and Serie A).

Inter were in need of another response and have reacted to that defeat with two wins and two draws in the league, as well as a much needed Champions League win over Spartak Moscow. Top of the league and back in contention in their Champions League group, the spotlight is on Inter more than ever in the coming days. As if a Milan derby was not enough on Saturday, Inter visit Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday where defeat is unthinkable. Two wins in these games and Inter will have effectively knocked Milan out of any possible title challenge and recovered a vast amount of damage made in their first two Champions League games. Two defeats, and fireworks will be going off in the media circus headed straight for Mancini and his players.

Federer And Gonzalez To Conclude Madrid

The 8th Masters Series event of the year ends on Sunday in Madrid. Sports Magician takes a look at the two finalists.

Roger Federer (1) v Fernando Gonzalez (10)
Saturday's semi-finals proved not to be of the same calibre and suspense that Friday's quarter-finals produced. The final pits the Swiss world no.1, looking for the 1st indoor Masters Series title of his career, up against the Chilean 10th seed, hoping to win his 1st Masters Series event and what would be the biggest title of his career.

In the 1st semi-final of the day, Federer met David Nalbandian for the 13th time. After taking an early advantage, Federer led 4-1 in the 1st set. However, Federer-Nalbandian clashes are rarely that simple and the Argentine levelled up the set at 4-4. The first eight games were very competitive, but the next eight were not of the same standard. Federer exerted more control on the match and eventually ran away with it convincingly, 6-4 6-0. With regards to their personal duel, it is the first time in Federer's professional career that he has had a head to head lead over Nalbandian, the record currently stands at 7-6 in his favour.

Federer will be hoping to win his 4th Masters Series event of 2006, which would match the 4 he won in 2005. Of the 8 Masters Series finals this year to date, Federer has either won or been runner-up in 6 of them. He withdrew from Hamburg and was defeated by Andy Murray in Cincinnati. Both of his final defeats in Masters Series this year came on clay, against Rafael Nadal.

As predicted in Sports Magician's semi-final previews, Tomas Berdych was unable to live up to his performance from the previous evening. As in Toronto, where the Czech took out Rafael Nadal before acting as mere cannon fodder the next day, the same happened here in Madrid. This time, Fernando Gonzalez was the player to take Berdych to pieces in a crushing 6-4 6-1 victory. Berdych was public enemy no1 following his celebration versus Nadal, and he crumbled under the hostility which he had dealt with so well in the quarter-final. The Spanish crowd were out for his blood, and Gonzalez with a dominant serving performance certainly gave them what they wanted.

Not only has Gonzalez reached his 1st Masters Series final, he has now put himself in contention to make Shanghai. Should he win on Sunday, he will be only 3 race points behind 8th placed Tommy Robredo.

History suggests Gonzalez will not be lifting the title tomorrow. Federer has an overwhelming record against the Chilean, leading their head to head, 7-0. Furthermore, Gonzalez has only ever taken 2 sets off the world no1. Their last meeting was on hard court in Cincinnati this year, with Federer victorious 6-1, 5-7, 6-3. Gonzalez will have to produce a career best performance if he is to win the match, which will be a best of 5 sets encounter. They have met twice in best of 5 set matches, both in 2005 at Roland Garros and Wimbledon where Federer triumped in straight sets each time.

Final Four In Madrid

After an eventful day in Madrid, which saw two former champions knocked out in outstanding clashes - Sports Magician looks ahead to the battle of the remaining four.

Roger Federer (1) v David Nalbandian (4)
The kind of semi-final that many (including myself) hoped to see in Madrid. Federer and Nalbandian have always brought out the best in each other and have played many a classic match. This one should be no different.

David Nalbandian, winner of the Masters Cup in 2005, was the first player through to the semi-finals after another houdini like escape. Nothing has come easy for the Argentine this week, and his encounter with Safin went along a similar path. Nalbandian started well, taking the first set 6-4. The second set proved to be far more complicated, after both players had exchanged breaks (four in total) it was decided by a tie-break. Nalbandian had match point at 6-5 but Safin saved himself with an ace and eventually took the set. Despite the disappointment, Nalbandian was able to hold himself together for the third set until his resistance was broken in the eleventh game. Yet again, Nalbandian found himself staring defeat in the face as he had done against Benneteau and Henman, and yet again he managed to avoid the exit. Nalbandian broke and then dominated the tie-break and thus recorded only his second win in eight meetings with Safin. As well as matching his Madrid performance from last year, Nalbandian gained a psychological boost ahead of what will be another meeting between the two in Moscow in December for this year's Davis Cup Final.

Federer's passage to the last four was not filled with such drama. Despite being given a competitive encounter by Robby Ginepri, the Swiss world no.1 never looked in danger of losing the match. Unlike Nalbandian who has gone the distance in all his matches this week, Federer has yet to drop a set.

This will be the thirteenth meeting between the pair, their head to head stands at six wins each. Nalbandian won the first five of their professional meetings, Federer has won six of the last seven. They have met twice this season, Federer the victor on both occasions. In Rome, the match (as it was in Shanghai 2005) was settled by a deciding set tie-break. Their last meeting came at Roland Garros this year in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, this meeting was cut short by an injury to Nalbandian and the viewing public was robbed of another classic encounter. Of their previous twelve meetings, the outcome has been settled in straight sets only four times. The winner of this semi-final is likely to end up lifting the trophy on Sunday.

Fernando Gonzalez (10) v Tomas Berdych (11)
Tomas Berdych gave the tennis world another glimpse of the potential he has with an awesome display of power and accuracy, against home favourite and defending champion, Rafael Nadal. What was arguably more impressive though was the composure and concentration shown in the face of a partisan crowd. Berdych has shown he is capable of giving Nadal more than he can handle, that was no surprise but the question remained as to whether he would be able to do that in Spain where the crowd would be an added factor. He passed the test with flying colours, having only one blip in the match at 5-4 up in the tie-break. Nadal got himself in position to win the second set and take it to a decider, but Berdych came roaring back to complete a 6-3 7-6 victory. At the conclusion of the match, Berdych celebrated by letting the Spanish crowd have no doubts that he had silenced them and left the stadium to a chorus of boos.

Fernando Gonzalez, fresh off a day of rest yesterday after his opponent withdrew, negotiated his passage to the last four with a victory over 19 year old Serbian talent, Novak Djokovic. In a closely fought battle, the Chilean triumphed in three sets 7-5 5-7 7-5. The Chilean was two points from defeat at 5-4 down in the decider, but showed great resolve to turn the match around.

Gonzalez holds a 2-0 record against Berdych and has yet to lose a set against him. Berdych will not be popular with the crowd after the way his match ended versus Nadal, allowing Gonzalez to receive the support of any neutrals in attendance. Young players often blow hot and cold, and Berdych is not immune to that. Despite his outstanding quarter-final performance there is no guarantee he will be able to maintain that standard tomorrow after such a euphoric win. Evidence of this was seen in Toronto this year, having beaten Nadal, Berdych was thrashed the next day by Richard Gasquet. Adding in the head to head record, Gonzalez will feel confident he can make his first ever Masters Series final. Berdych has a Masters Series title to his name already, having won Paris at the back end of 2005.

ATP Masters Series Madrid Quarter-Final Previews

The 8th Masters Series event of the season is approaching the business end. Sports Magician previews Friday's Quarter-Final match-ups.

Roger Federer (1) v Robby Ginepri
World no.1 Roger Federer comes into Friday's quarter-final with hopes of ending the week with his 1st indoor Masters Series title. Federer had little trouble defeating Nicolas Massu in his 2nd round match, 6-3 6-2 (all seeds received a 1st round bye). His 3rd round match was a stiffer test, where required two tie-breaks to get past Sweden's Robin Soderling.

Robby Ginepri has had a poor season, and has been unable to build on his impressive summer hard court results in 2005. It could be said his best win of this year was beating Pete Sampras in an exhibition. However, Ginepri comes into this match in his best form for some time, winning 3 matches against Feliciano Lopez, Mario Ancic and Tommy Robredo. In the process, Ginepri has harmed Ancic and Robredo's hopes of making the season end Masters Cup.

Federer holds a 2-0 record over Ginepri and their last meeting in the Semi-Finals of Cincinnati in 2005 ended 4-6 7-5 6-4 in Federer's favour. Anything other than a Federer win tomorrow will be a huge upset.

David Nalbandian (4) v Marat Safin
The marquee match of the quarter-finals gives us a Davis Cup Final preview. Nalbandian, looking for points to help his cause to qualify for Shanghai, has been on the brink of defeat in both of his matches in Madrid. Finding himself 5-2 down against Julien Benneteau and 5-3 down against Henman in deciding sets, Nalbandian stared an early exit in the face but showed his abilty to come back from difficult situations yet again.

Marat Safin has been far more impressive this week. In an earlier Davis Cup Final preview, he saw off Jose Acasuso in 3 sets before disposing of Marcos Baghdatis and Kristof Vliegen. Safin holds a dominating 6-1 record over Nalbandian, including a 5th set tie-break win at the US Open this year as well as a victory in the Madrid Masters Final in 2004.

Nalbandian usually grows into tournaments and will need to improve significantly on his form in Madrid this week if he is to avoid a 7th defeat at the hands of the Russian. If there is only one quarter-final you watch tomorrow, make it this one.

Fernando Gonzalez (10) v Novak Djokovic (15)
Struggling with a shoulder injury, Fernando Gonzalez would have been relieved to hear he would not be facing the daunting prospect of returning Joachim Johansson's serve, as the Swede withdrew from his match due to illness. Gonzalez needs a great end to the season for a chance to make the Masters Cup (last year he played due to withdrawals during the tournament), and is hoping to start that run in Madrid. In his 2nd round match he defeated Paradorn Srichaphan, 6-4 in the 3rd.

Novak Djokovic is having an excellent season and is continuing his rise up the rankings. He defeated Andy Murray in his 3rd round match despite losing the 1st set, 6-1. Djokovic again exhibited his growing maturity and composure to keep himself in the match despite being a break behind in the 2nd set. He had earlier seen off another another talented player of this coming generation, Richard Gasquet.

The pair have met twice, with a win each. The extra day off may end up being the factor that tips this match in Gonzalez's favour.

Tomas Berdych (11) v Rafael Nadal (2)
Looking for form and confidence in Madrid this week, Tomas Berdych is not the player Nadal would have wanted to see in his half of the draw. Nadal has had a poor series of events since Wimbledon, and is looking to ignite his season in front of his adoring public, hoping to defend the title he won here last year. Nadal has looked much more like his usual self in his wins over Mardy Fish and Tommy Haas. However, the true test of his current form is likely to come in this quarter-final.

Tomas Berdych still maintains hopes of reaching the Masters Cup in Shanghai. He has been in good form seeing off Agustin Calleri and Andy Roddick in straight sets. Although Roddick was hampered by an injury, Berdych was in fantastic form on serve, slamming down 23 aces and not facing a single break point.

Berdych has a 2-1 record against Nadal, the most recent win coming in the Toronto Masters only a couple of months ago. All 3 of their encounters have gone to a deciding set, so don't be at all surprised if this match follows a similar path. Berdych will have to show a greater level of maturity and composure as he will be up against the crowd as well as Nadal.

Out In The Cold

Many of Argentina's best young players soon find themselves in Europe, plying their trade in Spain, Italy, England, Germany.....and Russia.

In the past few years, Russian money has been finding it's way to South America and taking some of the finest young talent they can get their hands on. The policy has worked very well for CSKA Moscow, with their Brasilian trio of Daniel Carvalho, Vagner Love and Dudu. CSKA won the Uefa Cup in 2005 and only a couple of days ago defeated 2006 Champions League finalists, Arsenal.

CSKA's rivals, Spartak Moscow, went down a similar route but with mixed results for both the club and the players involved. Sports Magician details the rise and fall of the man formerly known as "Argentina's next no.9".

Fernando Cavenaghi has long been expected to be the eventual successor to Hernan Crespo for the Argentina national team. Brought up through the pipeline of talent that is River Plate, "El Torito" made his professional debut for Los Millonarios in 2000/2001. It was not long before Cavenaghi was a fixture in the side, and instinctively scoring goals week after week. His strike rate improved year after year, in 2002 he scored 22 goals in 33 apperances. In 2003, he improved with a record of 23 goals in 29 games and in 2004 continued his prolific ways with 9 goals in 13 outings.

Rumours of Cavenaghi's future being in Europe picked up momentum after the 2003 World Youth Championships. Argentina, without Carlos Tevez due to injury and a club-country dispute, were still expected to be one of the main contenders for the title given the depth and quality of Albiceleste youth sides. Argentina ended up losing to Brasil in the Semi-Finals (with the winner in a 1-0 triumph coming from Dudu, Brasil also featured Daniel Carvalho). Despite not performing as a team as well as expected, a few names enhanced their standing, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Javier Mascherano, Osmar Ferreyra and Cavenaghi (who captained the side, scoring 4 goals in 7 games). Ferreyra, a left sided midfielder/attacker with a wonderful set piece delivery, quickly moved to CSKA Moscow from River after barely playing 20 games. It was an error, the move was made too soon and he was not ready to adapt to Russian football. After being out of favour he eventually moved back to Argentina and is currently playing for San Lorenzo having not featured on the national stage since that 2003 tournament.

It was a lesson Cavenaghi was not to learn from, stories of Juventus and Barcelona were constantly circulating but no concrete offers ever came in. Having led River to a few Clausura titles but no success in the Copa Libertadores, Cavenaghi appeared to be getting itchy feet and a move to Europe was inevitable after a bust up with then River coach, Leo Astrada. Spartak had big plans to challenge CSKA and saw Cavenaghi as the main piece of the puzzle. For a brief period there was even a bidding war between the two Russian clubs for his services with Spartak eventually securing his signature for a fee of £6.5m - a Russian record. Cavenaghi also reportedly became the highest paid player in the country with a wage that far outweighed what he had been receiving in Argentina.

At the time of the transfer, many including myself felt it was the wrong move. That Russian football was not the best place for Cavenaghi to begin his European adventure and that the difficulties that faced Ferreyra would be liable to hurt Cavenaghi too. 'El Torito' did not come alone, he was joined by Boca Juniors left back, Clemente Rodriguez. Another player who had been tipped as a future regular for the national team. At first both struggled mightily in Russia, and while things have improved for Rodriguez, they never have for Cavenaghi. A poor return of only 8 goals in 34 games during 2004 and 2005 did not help matters. And if that wasn't enough, Cavenaghi was having problems with the coaching changes and being unable to find any type of continuity.

As far as his international aspirations were concerned, he had become a forgotten man. Out of sight and out of mind, Cavenaghi was never called by Bielsa, not even for the 2004 Olympics which came as a shock to many and was a clear signal that Cavenaghi was no longer seen as part of Argentina's future. Following Bielsa's departure, the arrival of Jose Pekerman raised Cavenaghi's hopes of a call up. He was indeed selected for a squad to play an unofficial match against Catalunya in Barcelona. He made a 20 minute appearance as a substitute and laid on a goal. His performance was encouraging, but clearly not enough to impress Pekerman. Cavenaghi would not be seen again in any future squad.

Approaching each transfer window were rumours of Cavenaghi moving back to River or La Liga, nothing materialised. This year his strike rate has improved in front of goal and Spartak Moscow qualified for the Champions League and drawn in a tough group with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon. Maybe this would be the chance for Cavenaghi to remind the rest of the world he was still a talent worth being utilised in a more high profile league? Not so. Cavenaghi has been left on the bench as Spartak have been able to take only 1 point from a possible 9. Even their hopes of qualifying for the Uefa Cup look dead and buried. Cavenaghi's hopes of getting out of Russia and back into the picture of the national set up seem even more remote than they ever were.

A talent wasted because of a rush to make the first move to Europe, rather than the right move. What is all the more startling is that Maxi Lopez, another River forward, made a move to Barcelona following Cavenaghi's departure. Few would claim that Maxi Lopez is a better forward than Cavenaghi, although with a greater physical presence he has many rough edges and Cavenaghi had already proven he was an outstanding finisher infront of goal with a balanced all round game. Lopez is currently on loan at Mallorca, getting a regular game in arguably the best league in the world enabling him the opportunity to prove whether he is good enough to sink or swim.

Fernando Cavenaghi is finding it hard to swim in Moscow, what with the ice and all...

The Magician Who Lost His Box Of Tricks

Guillermo 'El Mago' Coria has ended the past three seasons playing at the Masters Cup. He won't be doing that this year.

The man who has often punched above his weight, seems to have punched himself out in 2006. And we all saw it coming. In 2003, Coria began to announce himself among the world's elite. In the build up to Roland Garros, he was beaten in the Monte Carlo Masters final by then King of Clay, Juan Carlos Ferrero. It wouldn't be long before Coria got his hands on a Masters trophy, as he won the Hamburg title a few weeks later. And while he ended up losing to Martin Verkerk in the Semi-Finals at the Mecca of clay court tennis (Roland Garros), he had established himself as a player to be reckoned with on the surface for years to come. It was a disappointment, but he vowed to come back the next year and seize the moment.

That unexpected defeat at Roland Garros was the catalyst for 'Guille' to go on a golden run on clay courts. During 3 weeks from mid-July, he won 3 titles. He didn't lose a set and he handed out 5 bagels in the process. Going into 2004, it was already clear Coria would be in the mix for Roland Garros that year, but no one could have imagined the series of events that followed; which at the time of writing looks like will define his professional career. His untouchable run on clay continued, with him winning Buenos Aires and Monte Carlo (his 2nd Masters title). Going into the defence of his Hamburg Masters title, Coria was on a 26 match win streak on clay. It finally came to an end in the final of Hamburg, against Roger Federer. You've heard of him, haven't you?

From his defeat at Roland Garros in 2003, Coria posted a 31-1 clay court record by the time he next arrived in Paris. He was rightly considered as one of if not the player to beat. He didn't buckle under the expectation, or so it seemed as he reached an all-Argentine final versus Gaston Gaudio for the loss of just one set. This was to be Coria's crowning moment, the stamp of approval of a clay court king. Sport (as well as life), is never that easy. For an hour or so it sure looked like it though. Coria took advantage of Gaudio's nerves and anxieties and raced away to a 6-0, 6-3 lead. The match seemed over. Gaudio at times played like a man who knew it was over too.

Deep into the 3rd set on May 24 2004 was when the dream of winning Roland Garros turned into the start of a downward spiral. Coria froze, got tight, couldn't pass the finish line. However you wish to describe it, it was a moment that no doubt will forever be tatooed in his mind. The nerves set in, the mind was spinning and then came the cramps. Coria lost the 3rd set and had to let go of the 4th. The 5th set was pure drama. El Mago was fighting to overcome his problems and not let the dream slip away. Incredibly, Coria found himself serving for the match on two different occasions. In the first game, he never got close. The second time he had match point, went for a winner and missed by an inch. He had another, went for a winner and missed by an inch, again.

Gaudio eventually realised his opponent was there for the taking and after 211 minutes of action, he took him. Coria had few words at the presentation ceremony and was too distraught to say much although he offered his congratulations to an opponent with whom the relationship has always been frosty. At the post-match press conference, Coria broke down. His fans broke down with him, and even his critics had to empathise with the trauma he had gone through. Tennis is a cruel sport, one more point and Guillermo Coria would have been French Open champion. Instead, his career is currently in crisis.

Following a disappointment far greater than he experienced in 2003, Coria required surgery on his right shoulder which would rule him out for the rest of the season. He was not willing to believe that and had a great desire to attend his 2nd consecutive Masters Cup. With all the wins in the bag earlier in the year, he had already done enough to qualify despite not playing for more than 3 months. He achieved his objective to be a part of the Masters Cup, although clearly hampered and being nowhere near ready to obtain any victories. He had earnt his place amongst the elite and wanted to be there.

In 2005, things seemed to be going reasonably well for Coria. With new coach, Jose Perlas, now on board, El Mago arrived to defend his Monte Carlo Masters title as no5 in the world. Like his defence of the Hamburg title the year before, Coria's defence again was ended in the final this time by a young Spaniard, Rafael Nadal. You've heard of him, haven't you?

A few weeks later in Rome, the same two players squared off in another final. This one was a bit special. Lasting more than 5 hours, both players gave an exhibition of clay court tennis at its finest. You had to see it to believe it, and if you love tennis, you really must see it. Coria led 3-0 in the 5th set, but Nadal was eventually the victor. 8-6 in a 5th set tie break. The difference between the two of them after more than than 5 hours on court, was just two points.

Despite the obvious disappointment of not winning, Coria had reason to be upbeat. He could have won, and next time he hoped that he would. The level of tennis he showed was as good as anything he had shown in his 31-1 run on clay during the 2003-2004 period. Drawn in the opposite half to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Coria was a hot pick to return to the Roland Garros final, or at worst make the last four. He did neither and lost to Nikolay Davydenko in the 4th round; the same Nikolay Davydenko who had beaten for the loss of just 6 games at the French Open in 2004. And so another year where the Roland Garros title had eluded him, and at this point even he must have started to wonder if he would ever be as close again as he had been in 2004. Was that 2004 final to become the defining moment of his career? What we have seen since, suggests exactly that.

Coria's personal war became evident to all at the US Open in 2005. Having been back on tour for 9 or so months and seemingly having no trouble with the shoulder surgery from the previous year, he started to perform his impression of Elena Dementieva. His tournament ended in a 5 sets defeat to Robby Ginepri in the Quarter-Finals. Coria had achieved this run inspite of serving 56 - yes, that's 56 - double faults. Impressive or ridiculous? Both. In his 4th round match with Nicolas Massu, Coria served 20 double faults, and still won.

Unsurprisingly, he was asked what was happening. He said it was related to the surgery, it wasn't nerves, it wasn't his mind and added that he would have to live with these kind of moments, nothing could be done. He went to Beijing and made the final, losing to Nadal again. Bar one match against Johansson where he served 11 double faults, it was not a problem. It didn't stay that way.

Coria ended the season in poor fashion, looking very low on confidence and not showing his usual appetitie for battle. He made his 3rd successive appearance at the Masters Cup. He lost all his matches, the only bright spots being his new orange Adidas shirt and handing out a breadstick to Roger Federer to partially make up for the bagel he had been handed earlier.

Starting 2006 in the top 10, Coria and his fans were hoping for a fresh start off the back of the poor end to 2005. Instead, it has been a complete nightmare. During 3 matches at the Australian Open, he served 49 double faults. Coria's alliance with Jose Perlas had now reached a conclusion; it was over. Back in Argentina, he served 21 double faults and was knocked out in the 2nd round by a player ranked outside the top 90. He took a mini break to clear his mind. He came back in Acapulco, losing in the 1st round to a player outside the top 100 and served 16 double faults in the process. Another break followed and this time a partnership with Jose Higueras was hoped would stop Coria's slide and put him back on the right path. For a brief moment it looked like this time he was back to his normal self. Returning for the Miami Masters, defeating talented Serb, Novak Djokovic, in straight sets without a single double fault. He lost in the 2nd round and would not play again till a month later in Monte Carlo, where he had been a previous winner and runner up.

Coria was happy to be back in Monte Carlo. It was a crazy few days. A routine 1st round win over Mikhail Youzhny, gave us no inkling of the drama to unfold in the next days. Being humilated by Paul-Henri Mathieu, serving double faults continuously and down 6-1, 5-1, the magician finally produced some of his old magic and saved 4 match points to record a 1-6, 7-6, 6-4 victory. It was an incredible win, and more was to follow the next day. Having served 20 double faults versus Mathieu, he went 3 better versus Nicolas Kiefer, and he still won 6-7, 6-4, 6-3.

The insanity had to end, and it was Rafael Nadal who did just that in the quarters. Those incredible comeback victories would turn out to be the highlights of a dreadful year. Going 1-4 post-Hamburg, Coria decided he could not play at Roland Garros. That his shoulder was still an issue and that he needed a break (another one) to regain his hunger and "to return like I was in 2003/2004".

Coria returned to action in Sweden where he would lose a close match to compatriot, 'Chucho' Acasuso. He followed that up in Amersfoort and made the Semi-Final but retired with a neck/shoulder injury. It did not stop him showing up in Umag a few days later to defend his title from 2005. Another humiliating defeat awaited him, serving 12 double faults in a 1st round 6-2, 6-3 loss to Robin Vik (ranked 74 at the time). More trouble was to come, in Sopot the next week another retirement. This time in the 1st round versus Michal Przysiezny (ranked 364 at the time).

By now, Jose Higueras and Coria were no longer working together. Coria found a new coach, fellow Argentine and former coach of Fernando Gonzalez, Horacio de la Pena. A press conference was called, Coria sounded upbeat, even with wild ideas of being involved in Davis Cup for Argentina despite being a long way from the team realistically. De la Pena was more reserved, setting the goals at the bare minimum. They would train in Chile and Coria would return for the US Open. He did and he didn't. He was in the draw, he was on the court, but the slippery surface soon caused a groin injury, and five games into another 'comeback' Coria left the scene with a towel over his head. Out of the blue, the relationship of coach and and player between de la Pena and Coria was no more. Why? We are still not clear on that. Coria decided he would play in a challenger event; the first time he had done so since 2002. Serving for the match in his 1st round, Coria had now reached a new low: Dismissed in the 1st round of a challenger event by a player outside the top 150.

El Mago has not played since. And it doesn't look like he will anytime soon, at least not this season. Having started the year in the top 10, Coria currently sits at 83, and is likely to fall even lower if he does not play again this season. His fans want to see him back on court, but like the way he used to be and not the way he has been for most of 2006. The question is just how much Coria wants the same; he is the one who has to deal with the inner turmoil and it remains to be seen if we'll ever see his usual array of magicial skills on full display again.

One more point, and this all could have been very different.