Classic Match 2 -- David Nalbandian vs Roger Federer, Paris 2007

Nalbandian is in my humble opinion, still the most talented player ever not to have won a Grandslam in his career. He is still the most talented baseline shot maker I have ever seen, and in his prime, is still the one player who can really "control" Federer. Safin can outhit Federer in his prime, but Nalbandian doesn't do that. He doesn't overpower Federer but just contain his game and outplays him. No easy feat. Strong off both wings, with probably the most intelligent tennis mind on this planet. If only he has some modicum of motivation.

This is a classic match where one can see Nalbandian's game.



Some points to watch for:
1) Nalbandian's control. He moves federer around the court at will, as can be seen from the first 2 points and throughout. His backhand especially, can do anything. Crosscourt, down the line, short angle, drive, topspin rolls, anything.

2) Federer's backhand flick is truly an object of beauty. (1:20). Apparently he developed it from playing badminton.

3) 2:10 is an excellent point, that showcases Nalbandian's exceptional ability to control a point. He directed forehand after forehand into Federer's backhand, then finishes him off. Brilliant.

4) Federer's forehand. As if you needed a reminder.

5) Federer's movement. I rate it even higher than his forehand.

Classic Match 1 -- Agassi vs Sampras 1999 Wimbledon Final

This is a truly magnificent grasscourt match. Not so much in terms of drama, but the overall excellence of play. Its one of the first finals with "new grass", where the court surface was slowed down, but Pete definitely played it like how grass tennis is meant to be played.



Some things to watch for:

1) Sampras's underrated backhand. Its much better than people give it credit for. He rolls it with excellent topspin (around 4:50) and plays an excellent flick with it (6:20) too that probably formed the basis for Federer's famous backhand flick.

2) Sampras's pickup volley is probably the best in the world and history, especially on the forehand side. He has this ability to really wait and hold for the longest possible time, to force a commitment from his opponent before playing it beyond his reach. Exceptional.

3) Sampras's serve is truly exceptional. He doesn't serve the hardest, but the spin on it borders on being ridiculous. Opponents know he goes for the T far more than then corners but the spin just takes it out of reach. Watch how he tosses at the same spot for every serve too.

4) Agassi has an exceptional slice serve out wide on the Ad court too. This is somewhat negated though by Sampras's excellent move to his wide forehand position.

5) Sampras's running forehands are done with the same Eastern forehand grip that he uses for his normal forehand. I actually think Eastern forehand grip gives better coverage on the running forehand than semi-western or western due to its natural alignment with the direction of your run.

Most prodigious tennis talent

How many could he have won if he had not been addicted to sleeping pills??!!

Oooh yeah

This is what I call real power tennis.

Real power tennis

I am still a firm believer that Pete will rape Roger if they had played against each other in their respective prime on real grass, not this pansy ass pseudo clay court excuse of a grass court they use now at Wimbledon. Pete's serve, movement, and flat forehands will be too much for Roger.

Yeah.

Street Cred

I think for somebody to be number 2 in the world, he/she needs some street cred, some tangible Grandslam results. A lousy 2008 US Open final appearance just ain't cutting it.