Nalbandian, the nearly man

David Nalbandian will be remembered for many achievements. Making the Wimbledon final in 2002. Beating Roger Federer to win the WTF in Shanghai 2005. Winning back to back Indoor Masters in 2007, beating Nadal and Federer on the way. But he will be remembered above all for what he did not achieve. He will be remembered for being perhaps the Greatest player to never win a Major title.

He came close. But in Wimbledon 2002 his inexperience was romped all over by a willful Lleyton Hewitt. At the 2003 US Open, a controversial line call saw him lose his lead in the last four. At Roland Garros ’06 an injury put paid to his challenge to Federer at the same stage.

Nalbandian had all the tools but despite his double handed backhand, one of the top three best of all time, overwhelming talent and flair, Nalbandian just never had enough to go the distance when matters got close. And, crucially, as his numerous early round defeats and out of shape body testified, he was often not close to being close enough.

For long periods, he was physically absent, too. Injuries sidelined him. He took to his other, arguably his main, passion rally driving. But he would return, and as at Sydney 2009, often with remarkable form, his talent reminding us what potential he had, winning him fans, and keeping those loyal ones hoping.

But it was not to be. Season after season went by, often with some flourishes, such as his Indian wells contest with Nadal in 09, but the elusive Major remained so. The injuries built up. The dips in form took longer to rise. And finally it was one injury too many which caused the Argentine to announce his retirement last week.

It is a compliment that he will be remembered for what he could have achieved rather than what he did. His fans will always replay some of those wonderful points and marvel at his ability to take the ball on and finish the point at the net or crack a backhand winner out of nothing.

If you are a fan, here are some of those videos.

And if you are not a fan. I bet you are now.