No excuses from Nalbandian after shock defeat
Tenth-seeded Argentine David Nalbandian became the biggest men’s casualty so far at the Australian Open as he was sent crashing out in round two by Chinese Taipei’s Yen-Hsun Lu 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
World No.61 Lu, who beat Andy Murray in the first round at the Olympics last year, hit nine aces and 51 winners past last weeks Sydney champion, who said afterwards his opponent was simply too good.
I never saw him before, Nalbandian said, but I know he has beaten some good guys, he just played great today. Better than me and that was enough to get the victory.
I was always down, a break down. I really had to fight to try and come back. It was not easy. I dont know if it was perfect, but he played at a very high level.
He played so good, return, serve, forehand, backhand, everything.
I have been playing good, but what can you do if the other guy is playing better than you? There was a little frustration from myself but thats the way it is.
To his credit, David Nalbandian offered absolutely no excuses, not even the notorious Auusie heat. It was a perfect time to play, it was not that hot. Physically we were good.”
Lu goes on to play 21st seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo.
- Join the tennishead CLUB and receive £250/$350 of FREE GEAR including ASICS Gel-Resolution 8 trainers, shorts, shirt & socks
- Keep up to date with the breaking news & tennis action at our tennis news section
- Win amazing prizes by entering our competitions
- Learn more about your favourite players including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic
- Check out the latest tennis equipment with our tennis gear reviews
- Receive regular updates in our legendary free newsletter
- Read in depth features with stunning photography in tennishead magazine
- Can’t visit the tournaments you love? Check out our guide on how to watch tennis on TV
- Don’t miss a thing with our Live Scores service
- Follow tennishead on social media at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
- EXCLUSIVE 5% DISCOUNT for all tennishead readers on tennis rackets, balls, clothing, shoes & accessories with All Things Tennis, our dedicated tennis gear partner