In the world of tennis, idols are like guiding lights, helping aspiring players navigate the ups and downs of their careers. Horacio Zeballos finds inspiration and admiration in one person above all others: the renowned David Nalbandian. With the spirit and heritage of Nalbandian, Zeballos admires the way he has forged his way in the tennis world, aiming for greatness in a time when the legendary “Big 3” – Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic dominated the sport.

Like many young sportsmen, Zeballos looked up to anyone who had made it big on the stage, and Nalbandian was the picture of perfection. But not many know about the Argentinian-born tennis player from 2k era.

David Nalbandian of the two-handed backhand fame

David Nalbandian, who was born in 1982, gained fame in the first part of the 2000s with his extraordinary talent and intense competition. Coming from the second-largest city in Argentina, Cordoba, Nalbandian began playing at the tender age of five. Not only was he a skilled racket player, but he also had the capacity to take on and defeat some of the best players of all time, like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The “Big 3 provided fierce opposition, but Nalbandian forged his own history by winning with his devastating two-handed backhand, although he played right-handed.

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With extraordinary junior results, David Nalbandian went on to win the US Open title and Eddie Herr International during the late 90s. He maintained his No. 3 ranking in the singles during the early 2000s as well. During his career from 2000 to 2013, he won 11 singles titles and was the only man from Argentina in history to advance to the Wimbledon final and finish in the semifinals of all four major tournaments.

After retiring in 2013, Nalbandian engaged himself in a different sport, rally racing, and has also competed in Rally Argentina. However, Zeballos looks to Nalbandian’s path as a model for achievement even today.

Nalbandian through the lens of Zeballos

Coming from the same country as Nalbandian, Horacio Zeballos has only love and appreciation for his former colleague. Although they have played together in different tournaments and have represented and taken forward their country in tennis, Zeballos admitted that when it comes to his “idol,” it will always be David Nalbandian.

In 2009, Horacio Zeballos took over his idol in the South African ATP ranking. And together, they sent Argentina to the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup back in 2013 after an eye-catching doubles match. Much like Nalbandian, Zeballos has persevered through every tough challenge, channeling his idol’s indomitable spirit to overcome obstacles and continue his pursuit of excellence.

Horacio Zeballos’s adoration for David Nalbandian is a moving reminder of the power of enthusiasm, tenacity, and pursuing one’s dreams unwaveringly in an era where the ‘Big 3’ dominated the scene.

“I Want Roger Federer To Play Until He Is 45” – Horacio Zeballos