Article

  • Cope Telmex Quarterfinal Preview

    2/22/08 10:40 AM | Cheryl Murray
    - Buenos Aires - David Nalbandian heads the lineup in Friday's quarterfinals at the Copa Telmex. Other players in action include Igor Andreev, Agustin Calleri and Filippo Volandri.

    David Nalbandian (1) vs. Potito Starace (7)

    Tournament favorite David Nalbandian will face Italy's Potito Starace for the first time ever in this quarterfinal match up. Nalbandian has had sketchy form so far in 2008 and has not looked unbeatable in the early rounds in Buenos Aires. He just barely squeaked past Fabio Fognini, the promising young Italian, in three tight sets. Potito Starace is ranked number 35 in the world, but this is the first tournament where he's actually posted a win this year. Nalbandian simply has too much game for Starace and should be able to pull the match out without too much trouble. Nalbandian in 2.

    Igor Andreev (6) vs. Jose Acasuso

    Argentina's Jose Acasuso is into his second quarterfinal of the 2008 clay court season. His other quarterfinal result came in Vina del Mar, where he lost 3-6 3-6 to Pablo Cuevas. His road to the quarters includes an impressive win over Carlos Moya in the first round. His opponent, Russia's Igor Andreev, is enjoying his best clay result of the year so far. He previously lost in the first round in Costa Do Sauipe. Acasuso holds a 3-1 lifetime edge over Andreev, and current form indicates that the Russian will be not closing that gap. Acasuso in 3.

    Filippo Volandri (8) vs. Agustin Calleri

    Buenos Aires resident Agustin Calleri has split wins with Filippo Volandri one and one, but they have not met since 2006. Volandri has had the better clay results in 2008; he made the quarterfinals in Costa Do Sauipe last week. Calleri, on the other hand, has had more of a struggle. He has played all three South American clay events, and the Copa Telmex is the first time he's made it past the first round. If Volandri has a solid day, he should win this match in straight sets.

Tell a friend »

Comments


Write comment

You have to be logged in to comment. If you do not have an account, click here to register. It only takes a minute and you'll be redirected back to this page.
Username:

Password: