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Nalbandian becomes coach
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News

“I’m happy to be involved in tennis again,” says former star Nalbandian


David Nalbandian, the former world number three, has become Miomir Kecmanovic’s coach on a trial basis for the Latin American swing.

The 21-year-old Serbian world number 41, a rising star in the next generation, has hired Nalbandian for an initial interim period beginning at the Cordoba Open, Argentina, this week.

“It means a lot to me to have David with me now. He was one of the best of his generation and his experience could really help me a lot,” Kecmanovic explained to ATPTour.com.  “I watched him play for many months on television. I remember a lot of his matches, seeing them on YouTube, when he beat the Big Three. That was incredible.

“I hope to be able to work with him a lot. He’s already mentioned some ideas to me. I hope to go far this week, but it’s important to learn, to be able to progress and we’ll gradually change and the results will take care of themselves.”

Nalbandian, 39, reached the 2002 Wimbledon final, won the Tennis Masters Cup in 2005, and is the only Argentinian in history to reach the semi-finals or better at all four Grand Slams. The former Davis Cup player is returning to tennis for the first time since his retirement in 2013.

“I’m happy to be involved in tennis again in some way, being with Miomir and trying to contribute and help with what they need and for him to grow as a player,” Nalbandian said.

“These days before the tournament we have to try and find some good feelings [so that you] feel comfortable and enjoy yourself. We’ll take it bit by bit, gradually adding more, better things.

“He’s a young boy with good potential and I’ll try to improve him as a player. It’s a way of trying a few weeks out, in Cordoba, Buenos Aires and Santiago and then we’ll look at the schedule.”

Kecmanovic, the third seed, opens his account in Cordoba against Brazilian qualifier Juan Manuel Cerundolo.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.