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Nalbandian defeats Roger in Masters final

20.11.2005 | Tennis

Roger's record-chasing run ended in a dramatic five-set defeat on Sunday to David Nalbandian in the Masters Cup final.

 

The Argentine, who would not have made the eight-man draw if four of the top five players had not withdrawn, ended Roger's 35-match winning streak with a come-from-behind 6-7 (4) 6-7 (11) 6-2 6-1 7-6 (3).

 

The world no. 1 rallied from 0-4 in the deciding set and was two points from victory serving at 6-5 and 30-0 before Nalbandian broke back to force a tiebreaker.

 

Nalbandian earned three championship points when Roger buried a backhand into the net to make it 6-3 in the tiebreaker after 4 hours, 33 minutes. He clinched it when Roger netted a forehand. He dropped to his back on the court.

 

He becomes the first Argentine to win a year-ending tournament since Guillermo Vilas won the 1974 Masters in Melbourne.

 

"It's been a fantastic year. Unfortunately I couldn't win the last one but this year will be a great memory for me," said Roger. "To be back after the injury - I'm happy I made it so far. I'm proud of that."

 

For the world no. 1, it was only the second defeat in four Masters Cup campaigns going back to the 2002 semi-final. He had been in line for the first year-ending hat-trick since Ivan Lendl in 1985-1987.

 

This defeat stops Roger one win short of equalling John McEnroe's 1984 record winning percentage of 96.5.

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anne-catherine.possa@romandie.com
11/28/2005 | 12:53 AM
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Roger! Thanks for the great year you giving tennis and us! Though the TMC has gone by 2 weeks, there is still a strong emotion in my heart. You made me cry again, and I don't know how many times it happened this year. You fought, persisted and never gave
cbanct
11/27/2005 | 09:59 PM
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Well, watching that final was exhausting ! This is my first comment on this website. My mother and I were big fans before people knew who Federer was. We are so happy that he is realizing his great talent. The good news is that after McEnroe had that 82/3
Joyjancik
11/27/2005 | 06:43 PM
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Hi there Idol! You have proven time and again how great a champion you are, and how great a person you are in the truest sense of the word. Defeat is part of the journey, and it's what makes you better and tougher. All the best...am forever your admire
el-putas
11/27/2005 | 02:36 AM
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fuck. but dont worry you are the best a nd good luck in the next year
happles
11/26/2005 | 09:23 PM
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Hey Roger, You were magnificent in defeat, especially since it's so unusual for you (unlike the rest of us!). As always it's a real pleasure to watch you play and speak. Good luck recovering in your break and I'm looking forward to seeing you play live in
hanna_rebeka
11/26/2005 | 03:46 PM
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Dearest Roger,
never mind this match. You were injured, and you can really be very proud of this result. Don't be sad, next time, you will win whatever you want. You are my No. 1. and you will brake many records in the following years. Love, Kathy
Klarke
11/26/2005 | 12:30 PM
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U r the best tennis in my heart,and hope u will do better in 2006!and welcome to SHANGHAI next year!
Klarke..:)
sandokan87
11/26/2005 | 04:48 AM
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Dear Roger,
Watching u playing in this master series was unbelievable, I can`t believe you played that well after the injurie you had. Even though i am from argentina and wanted nalbandian to win it had never happened to me to feel sorry and bad for an a
cbxpeter
11/26/2005 | 03:39 AM
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"Tha't why I have put on my clothes so we don't get all overexcited." said the sexiest man in the world. So I would say: the sexiest man never falls down!
b00kw0rm
11/26/2005 | 02:10 AM
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Hello, Roger!

You were great, even if you didn't win. It's always fun to watch you play! =) It's fantastic that you made it so far, it being your first tournament in six or seven weeks after the injury! =O
This just gives you more motivation to do eve
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