The 2005 Tennis Masters Cup title was secured by David Nalbandian, who rallied from two sets down to defeat Roger Federer in a five-set tiebreak. This achievement marked a career pinnacle for the Argentine, who became the first player to win the year-end tournament without having previously captured a Grand Slam or Masters Series trophy.
Early Development in Unquillo
Born in 1982 in the city of Unquillo, Córdoba Province, Nalbandian began his journey in tennis at the age of five. Raised in a household with his mother, Alda, and two brothers, Javier and Dario, he practiced on a cement backyard court constructed by his Armenian grandfather. He transitioned to professional tennis in 2000 after a successful junior career that included winning the 1998 US Open boys' singles title against Roger Federer.
Professional Ascent and Major Finals
By 2002, Nalbandian emerged as the top-ranked Argentine and South American player, highlighted by his run to the Wimbledon final, where he ultimately lost to Lleyton Hewitt. Throughout his tenure from 2000 to 2013, he achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 3 in March 2006. He remains the only Argentine man to reach the semifinals or better at all four major tournaments.
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Renowned for a two-handed backhand considered among the best on tour, Nalbandian claimed 11 singles titles, including two Masters 1000 events. In 2007, he achieved a notable feat at the Madrid Masters by defeating the top three seeds—Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer—in consecutive rounds. He subsequently won the Paris Masters, becoming the first player since Marat Safin in 2004 to win those two Masters titles back-to-back.
Davis Cup and Post-Retirement
Nalbandian was a consistent force in the Davis Cup, helping the Argentine team reach the World Group finals in 2006, 2008, and 2011. His participation in international events also included representing his country at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. Following his retirement from professional tennis in 2013, he shifted his focus to motorsport, competing in the sport of rally racing, including appearances in Rally Argentina.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Unquillo, Argentina
- Professional career: 2000–2013
- Highest singles ranking: World No. 3 (March 2006)
- Career singles titles: 11
- Primary playing style: Right-handed, two-handed backhand
- Citizenship: Argentina, Armenia
- Post-retirement career: Rally driver
- Major Davis Cup appearances: 2006, 2008, 2011 finals
Questions readers ask
Did David Nalbandian win any Grand Slam titles?
No, he is considered one of the most successful players to have never won a Grand Slam title, despite reaching the finals of the 2002 Wimbledon Championships.
What major tournament did he win in 2005?
He won the Tennis Masters Cup in 2005, defeating Roger Federer in the final.
What is his connection to rally racing?
After retiring from professional tennis, Nalbandian transitioned into rally driving, where he has competed in Rally Argentina.